Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Sphaeroceridae: small, grey - and dead
Posted by Sundew on 13-10-2007 19:31
#1
Now, this is a test. I took a small grey fly out of an
Araneus net. The fly was dead but not eaten (too small to be recognized by the spider.) I put it under my stereo microscope and held the camera to one ocular. The result is not too stunning, as the lighting should be much brighter; however, there are a lot of details seen. The articulated antennae with the hairy arista are clearly visible, as well as the four long bristles at the scutellum margin. I hope there are enough characters for identification, though I am already afraid it could be Anthomyiidae and nothing more. If there is success, I shall go on with spider web examination.
The upper scale is mm.
Sundew
Edited by Sundew on 13-10-2007 20:41
Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 13-10-2007 20:22
#2
It is much worth than Anthomyiidae, it is
Sphaeroceridae :@
Posted by Sundew on 13-10-2007 20:51
#3
Fine - a small dung fly! No reason to look angry like Nikita's Smiley (perhaps he is irritated by not knowing the genus.) Any suggestions of a name?
Sundew
Posted by Paul Beuk on 14-10-2007 10:28
#4
Might be
Leptocera. If you can send it I could put a name to it.
Posted by Sundew on 14-10-2007 12:49
#5
I am so sorry - by processing the frail body broke into pieces :(. Some got lost on my cluttered desk. I did not save the remains. As I said, it was more a test of photographical facilities than serious search for determination of this specific fly. I promise to be more careful next time...
I am glad to know another fly family, though. Many thanks for helpfully suggesting a genus name!
Sundew