Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Flies associated with Meloe

Posted by Susan R Walter on 04-04-2019 20:26
#1

Any thoughts on what these small flies are, on and near a male Meloe violaceus? What might they be doing? I suspect the proximity isn't just a coincidence, I think they are deliberately accompanying or attracted to the beetle. Photo taken today, central lowland France.

Posted by Juergen Peters on 04-04-2019 21:02
#2

Hello Susan,

I think, canthariphilous Ceratopogonidae. Atrichopogon?

Posted by John Carr on 04-04-2019 23:10
#3

Subgenus Melohelea feeds on Meloidae. I can't be sure of ID from this photo.

Posted by Paul Beuk on 05-04-2019 08:34
#4

With specimens in hand I could identify it...

Posted by Susan R Walter on 09-04-2019 20:27
#5

Thanks all for the ID suggestions. Paul -- I was with my walking group -- it's hard enough stopping to photograph something, much less capture a specimen ! :-)