Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Surinamese Drosophilidae on mushroom
Posted by Auke on 25-02-2013 22:00
#1
I found these small flies on the underside of a white mushroom. I have no idea even about their family. The two on the right, or at least the one with the black pronotum, seem to have broader heads with eyes further apart. Females? Or a different species?
Suriname, Para, Zanderij area. I-2013. On underside mushroom in moist forest.
Thanks in advance,
Scarabaeoid
Edited by Auke on 26-02-2013 13:48
Posted by Jan Willem on 25-02-2013 22:28
#2
How about Drosophilidae?
Posted by Auke on 26-02-2013 00:11
#3
Could be, I don't know. I did have a look at some photos of
Drosophila before I opened this thread (because of size and colour), but they are different. The family could be right , of course, but I'm not really into Diptera. I just happen to stumble upon them sometimes when looking for beetles.
Best regards,
Scarbaeoid
Posted by Paul Beuk on 26-02-2013 09:47
#4
I guess at least two species of Drosophilidae.
Posted by Auke on 26-02-2013 13:48
#5
Would that mean that the large one second from right is a species and the four smaller ones at least one other species? I didn't check all of the other mushrooms, but the ones close to this one had no flies at all. Apparently they liked each others company.
Thanks for helping out!
Scarabaeoid
Posted by Paul Beuk on 26-02-2013 15:53
#6
I would see the species separation in the same way but I do not think they like each others company but mostly the company of the mushroom. :P
Posted by Auke on 26-02-2013 21:10
#7
Thanks for the confirmation Paul Beuk.|t
Yes, I know. One should not project human emotions on non-human lifeforms.;) Still interesting that they were all together on a small portion of this mushroom, while the other nearby seemingly equally developed mushrooms were flyless. Was it just a small portion of this single mushroom that was smelling good to them, or does the presence of one feeding fly (colours, pheromones?) attrackt others? I have no knowledge on fly behaviour, so don't hit me if the answer is obvious.
Best regards,
Scarabaeoid