Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Stratiomyidae: Sargus iridatus?

Posted by nick upton on 12-06-2011 19:38
#1

Can anyone confirm my ID for this very pretty soldierfly and is it a male or a female?. Legs seem too dark for other Sargus spp.

The fly was running around and butting its head repeatedly on a rose leaf. I'm not sure if this was a courtship display or if it was dabbing up sugar secretions from aphids which may have been on the leaves.

11.5.11 c 11mm Wiltshire garden, UK.

Posted by nick upton on 12-06-2011 19:41
#2

Here is the head banging behaviour... feeding maybe as looks like there is a white labium pressed against the leaf, or possibly courtship; it was quite frenetic and caught my eye at least..

Posted by Stephen R on 12-06-2011 19:47
#3

Looks like S. iridatus female to me.

Posted by nick upton on 12-06-2011 19:48
#4

OK thanks Stephen, and probably feeding then.

Posted by Stephen R on 12-06-2011 19:50
#5

I think so.