Thread subject: Diptera.info :: cf Entomophthora muscae on Musca domestica <== fly on window, sugar or snow around?
Posted by nowaytofly on 25-08-2017 23:24
#1
Hi there, today I found this dead fly on a window. Looks like still alive but is real dead. What is the white around there? Where does it came from? Spewed, don't think so? Burst out, don't think so? Done by eating enemy, don't think so? Any idea? What species is it, I think a syrphidae? By the way, its still there on the window ;)
Seen in SW-Germany, Baden-Württemberg, region Heilbronn, today 25. August 2017.
Thanks in advance,
Norbert
edit: size about 10mm or a bit less. It's a female?
Edited by nowaytofly on 28-08-2017 02:04
Posted by nowaytofly on 25-08-2017 23:25
#2
picture #2
Posted by nowaytofly on 25-08-2017 23:26
#3
picture #3 - Is it a female?
Posted by Tony Irwin on 26-08-2017 00:55
#4
I think this is a house fly (
Musca domestica) which has been infected by a fungus (probably
Entomophthora muscae). The white stuff is a mass of spores from the fruiting bodies of the fungus (the cream-coloured bands between the segment of the fly's abdomen).
Posted by nowaytofly on 28-08-2017 00:52
#5
Hi Tony thanks so far. Fungus was out of my mind, tis seems very well to fit to this phenomenon. ;)
But the Musca domestica or similar? :| With the yellow abdomen (compare to pic 2) I see here more a Syrphidae like
Eristalis sp. or
Helophilus sp.?
But I'm far away from beeing a specialist on biology or ID of some fly. Only a hobby photograph. So please can you or one of other here confirm or re-ID?
many thanks
Norbert
Posted by Stephane Lebrun on 28-08-2017 01:17
#6
Definitely
Musca domestica. Syrphidae haven't strong bristles on thorax and abdomen.
Posted by nowaytofly on 28-08-2017 02:02
#7
Hi Stephane, many thanks to you too. Sorry for my distrusted answer before to Tony who already says M. domestica. I saw only the yellowish abdomen...
So I can put it to my photo album.
Have all a nice week
Norbert