Thread subject: Diptera.info :: ID : Fungus on Scathophagidae species.

Posted by AJC on 25-05-2011 20:56
#1

Evening,

This is my first post and I think it is an interesting identification request. I found a dead Scathophagidae species in a local garden centre and was surprised to find a fungus like substance wrapped right round it's abdomen.

Is anyone able to offer an opinion on what species the fly and it's fungus could possibly be?

I still have the specimen and would be willing to post it to anyone if they wanted it for examination.

Regards,
Andrew.

Posted by Sundew on 25-05-2011 22:33
#2

The fungus is the fly killer Entomophthora muscae, see http://www.dipter...d_id=29467. It is quite frequent.
Regards, Sundew

Posted by AJC on 26-05-2011 06:28
#3

Sundew wrote:
The fungus is the fly killer Entomophthora muscae, see http://www.dipter...d_id=29467. It is quite frequent.
Regards, Sundew


Morning Sundew,

Thanks for the identification of the fungus and the links to extra information on the killer fungus. Fascinating stuff.

Regards,
Andrew.

Posted by Jan Willem on 26-05-2011 07:28
#4

This funges is indeed rather common, especially on Scathophaga stercoraria, which is the fly on your picture.

Posted by AJC on 26-05-2011 09:32
#5

Jan Willem wrote:
This funges is indeed rather common, especially on Scathophaga stercoraria, which is the fly on your picture.


Good morning Jan, thank you for identifying the fly too! I shall try to get some better images for my archives with the DSLR when I get a free moment. If they come out good I shall share them here too.

Regards and thanks,
Andrew.