Posted by Stephen on 24-10-2006 13:27
#1
I've been wanting to get a profile view of a Moth Fly since lynkos posted a nice one recently.
This furry fly was attracted to lights on 29 September. Wooded area but near open area. West Virginia, USA.
People have remarked before that it is hard to ID Psychodids to species, but any ID guidance would be appreciated.
Posted by Xespok on 24-10-2006 13:36
#3
I think this fly is within Pericomini. Very hard to ID these flies, because most experts recognize them only in the microsope from specimens stored in alcolhol. In alcohol the specimens loose their characteristic pattern.
Posted by Stephen on 25-10-2006 13:48
#4
Thank-you, Xespok! Too bad about the specimens stored in alcohol. These are such "furry" flies, I can see how in alcohol they would lose much of their characteristic look. I suppose the
structures would still be there, and of course that is what the microscopists are looking for. I have heard more than one entomologist say "I'm not very good at IDing live insects." That is kind of sad, though don't get me wrong, even those who said this still gave me a lot of useful information and were generous with their time.