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This is quite a small doli 1.3mm body length found on top of leaves in my garden in Northern Illinois. We live in a forested area and the garden gets some sun, but mostly shade. Any help with ID?


Hmmm can't get the photo to post... It is smaller than 200K and the file name has no spaces... so I posted all the full resolution images to flickr and provide the link below.

Help posting directly would be appreciated.


ps mid by bugez1, on Flickr


ps 001 by bugez1, on Flickr


ps 1 by bugez1, on Flickr



ps 1 by bugez1, on Flickr


ps 1 by bugez1, on Flickr


ps1 by bugez1, on Flickr

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Hi Keith, what is the equipment you have to produce these beautiful pictures?

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tyrolean,

I use photo stacking and a rig of my own creation. My equipment is described here

http://www.photom...hp?t=12851

and here

http://www.photom...hp?t=13427

Optics wise I use a 10X microscope lens with a 200mm fixed focus camera lens as the "tube lens".

For processing the image stacks, I use Zerene Stacker.

The light I use with the microscope lenses is described here.

http://www.photom...hp?t=15788

I became interested in flies because of my love of the stacked photo process and the amazing features on insects that the photos reveal...

Kind regards,

Keith

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hi Keith, thanks for posting links to your equipment! Now I understand why my pictures are different! :) There's no way to install such gear in my workroom ... Keep up the good work! Very impressive!

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tyrolean,

Many thanks for the kind words.

I have migrated toward smaller flies and ID is difficult as few have studied such minute subjects.

Kindly

Keith

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Nice photos. Unfortunately, female. At a first glance, Sympycninae (?Sympycnus), but such a small doli can be ID by a male only.

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Igor,

Many thanks for the tip on the ID. I have several other similar flies, I'll check to see if any are male and post the photos.

Kind regards,

Keith

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I think this is the male as it is nearly the same size 1.3mm, was found in close proximity to the female, and looks right.

Found in Loves Park, Illinois in my flower garden. Females were perched on the tops of leaves. Males hovered about.

First the head


ps 1 by bugez1, on Flickr


ps 1 by bugez1, on Flickr

Then the male parts


ps 1 by bugez1, on Flickr

a stereo of the male parts

male organs ventral by bugez1, on Flickr

Thanks for help with a genus ID or species if possible

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I'd say Sympycnus. Hind tarsus is often modified.

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Thanks Igor, I appreciate the help.

Keith

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Robinson (1964) keyed five species of Sympycnus from eastern United States, of which lineatus Loew is the best match to your flies.

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Thanks John. I appreciate you tracking this down.

Keith