Diptera.info

Posted by Graeme Cocks on 09-02-2015 20:09

I think this is Platystomatidae. Can anyone suggest a genus?

Edited by Graeme Cocks on 10-02-2015 20:47

Posted by Gerard Pennards on 09-02-2015 20:41

I'd say its Ulidiidae, something like Physiphora or close. Wait until Valery comes by....

Posted by Nosferatumyia on 10-02-2015 00:25

Dear Graeme:
This is a Physiphora (Ulidiidae), and this is really an extraordinary finding, as this can be either another Physiphora species introduced from Africa or a native undescribed species. Collecting of additional material is strongly recommended. Larvae are common in rotting vegetables or stems of palms or succulents as Euphorbia; adults are attracted to fresh feces of bird droppings.

Edited by Nosferatumyia on 10-02-2015 02:02

Posted by Nosferatumyia on 10-02-2015 00:31

Another aspect, with frontal view of the head is badly needed, like this:

Edited by Nosferatumyia on 10-02-2015 00:33

Posted by Graeme Cocks on 10-02-2015 01:20

Is this what you want? Haven't got the mouth parts. So could have another go if you need it.

Posted by Nosferatumyia on 10-02-2015 01:40

It is close to, but certainly not identical to African P. violacea (on the picture, differing by the shape of white tometose spot at frontal orbit, cuneiform rather than round (on my picture). I suppose it can be another new species, for we (Elena Kameneva and I) have nothing like that in the material of the revision of Physiphora, worldwide.
Collecting a male is especially important, for highly complicated male phallus structure is highly species-specific.

Edited by Nosferatumyia on 10-02-2015 01:41

Posted by Graeme Cocks on 10-02-2015 02:10

#11

Yes I see what you mean about the spot. Are you sure it's not Physiphora clausa, which I have collect here?

Edited by Graeme Cocks on 10-02-2015 02:11

Posted by Nosferatumyia on 10-02-2015 02:21

#12

P. clausa is similar except green body with purple scutellum and widely yellow legs. Unless the colour of your fly has been altered by an organic solvent (though I have never seen such specimens, too), it is not. But such a possibility exists...

Edited by Nosferatumyia on 10-02-2015 02:29

Posted by Graeme Cocks on 10-02-2015 02:36

#15

Yes, all the clausa I've seen are distinctly green as you say. No this fly has not been near any solvent, and colour is quite fresh as it was only collected 2 days ago. Is it a male?