Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Spotty winged fly for ID, please. IDed as Tephritis formosa
Posted by Ginks on 24-01-2012 16:18
#1
I think this is the last spotty winged fly for today. I thought it was the same as one of the others I've just posted, but on closer inspection the pattern is different.
I'm stumped...
Tephritidae is as close as I can get...
This photo was taken last summer (2011) in my garden in Mid-essex. The fly was cavorting (on its own...) on golden rod. I have other shots of what I think is the same fly in different attitudes taken on other days, if they would be of any help. Please let me know and I'll post them, I don't want to overwhelm you!
Best wishes,
Ginks
Edited by Ginks on 25-01-2012 00:24
Posted by tristram on 24-01-2012 19:47
#2
The wing pattern matches that for
Tephritis formosa.
Posted by Ginks on 24-01-2012 20:30
#3
Thank you, Tristram, and thanks for getting back to me so quickly.
Best wishes, Ginks
Posted by John Smit on 25-01-2012 18:44
#4
I second that!
Posted by Ginks on 08-02-2012 14:47
#5
Thanks, John!
Wasn't it nice of my little fly to open her wings like that?!
I assume it is female?
Posted by John Smit on 10-02-2012 10:06
#6
Yep itīs a female alright.
And as for Tephritids opening their wings... well they do that a lot. The use their spotted or banded wings for communication. Next time you encounter a plant with several fruit flies on it then spare a few minutes to have a look at the interactions. Incredible!
John
Posted by Ginks on 17-02-2012 17:58
#7
Thanks, John, for your comment.
I'll certainly keep my eyes peeled for these flies "talking" to each other, but so far I've never seen more than one.
I watched this little lady for some time... it reminded me of doing semaphore yonks ago when I was a Girl Guide. I think she was saying, "Hey, I'm over here! Come and get me!" But I didn't see another fly like her nearby.