Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Tabanidae? But unmarked red eyes
Posted by Stephen on 04-07-2007 11:02
#1
This was an unusually pretty fly, but I have had trouble identifying it. Is it Tabanidae? But it seems most of the Tabanidae have striped or patterned eyes, and this one doesn't. Mouthparts look right for Tabanidae, don't they?
I thought over other families based on overall appearance (Rhagionidae, Bombylidae, even Syrphidae) but for one reason or another those don't seem correct to me. ID help will be appreciated!
Along rocky river, mountain foothills, West Virginia USA, 1 July 2007. The fly seem uninterested in flying, but kept walking toward me! Measured 13.5 mm from the front of the eyes to the rear of the abdomen.
Posted by Stephen on 04-07-2007 11:04
#2
Here's a second view.
Posted by Stephen on 05-07-2007 13:39
#3
I sure hope someone will be able to help me with this one.
I'm posting now a third image, lateral, to go along with the doral and face view.
Thanks in advance for help anyone can give.
Posted by crex on 05-07-2007 14:15
#4
Tabanidae I presume. Hopefully Tony T or Zeegers will have a look when they show up again ...
Edit: Within Tabanomorpha there are besides Tabanidae and Rhagionidae also Athericidae. Some Athericidae females are bloodsuckers ... I thought this was a male, but should a male have this large proboscis or what you call that blood probing mouth thing!?
Edited by crex on 05-07-2007 14:33
Posted by Tony Irwin on 05-07-2007 19:27
#5
My
guess is that this is a male of
Goniops chrysocoma (based on a great similarity in wing markings and general appearance with pictures of the female I have seen). Needs confirmation, though! ;)
Edited by Tony Irwin on 05-07-2007 19:27
Posted by Tony T on 05-07-2007 21:34
#6
I agree with Tony Irwin's ID. I've never seen this species but it agrees with the species description.
Crex wrote "I thought this was a male, but should a male have this large proboscis or what you call that blood probing mouth thing!?" It is a male, the "proboscis" you are seeing are actually 2nd palpal segments that are not directly involved in blood feeding.
Posted by Stephen on 05-07-2007 22:22
#7
Thanks so much, Crex, Tony, and Tony! This was a beautiful fly but it really did puzzle me. I don't recall ever seeing a Tabanid that did not have stripes or marbling or some kind of pattern on the eyes.
Posted by Tony T on 06-07-2007 01:52
#8
Several species have unmarked eyes, take a look at
Tabanus americanus on BugGuide.
Incidentally these images would be a nice addition to BG pages :D