Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Chloromyia formosa?

Posted by Sundew on 06-10-2007 20:04
#1

Hi,
There are metallic bright, rather small flies in my garden that like to sit on the leaves of the stinging nettles. I suppose them to be Chloromyia formosa. The two upper pics show a specimen that seems to be not as hairy as the one depicted below, but does that matter? The photos were taken in June and July.
I hope to get a confirmation or correction, respectively, though the photo quality is not the best.
Thanks, Sundew

Posted by Tony Irwin on 06-10-2007 20:45
#2

The lower pics are Chloromyia formosa males, but I think the upper two (females) may be Microchrysa - a smaller, less hairy fly. The thoracic colour is slightly different, and I would expect that the abdomen of a Chloromyia female to appear longer compared to the wings - there are a couple of good shots in the gallery which will show you what to expect.

Posted by Sundew on 06-10-2007 21:59
#3

You are right! There is only one Microchrysa picture in the gallery, but Google gives some good ones, and they look all very similar to my upper fly. Its wings are also clear and not brownish like in Chloromyia formosa. So I have two Stratiomyidae genera on my stinging nettles - what an unexpected biodiversity in my garden! Many thanks, Tony.
Sundew