Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Big Tachinidae

Posted by Isidro on 14-10-2007 17:51
#1

Yesterday at La Pe?a, Huesca, Aragon, Spain. Pre-Pyrenees. Same habitat than the last one (it was less than a meter along): prairie with few trees and shrubs (many Crataegus etc) near a very small and low river with very dense small trees. Size: very big, as the bigger Sarcophaga, more or less 15-17 mm long.
Note the broad and clear tarsi.


aycu22.webshots.com/image/31741/2001386438008055676_rs.jpg
aycu25.webshots.com/image/28904/2001320937863777452_rs.jpg
aycu02.webshots.com/image/30241/2001387948590442443_rs.jpg

Thanks
Regards ;)

Posted by Tony Irwin on 14-10-2007 18:08
#2

This is a worn specimen of Sarcophaga (Sarcophagidae)

Posted by Isidro on 14-10-2007 19:46
#3

Thanks!!

A friend tells me many time ago, thta the sarcophagids can be easyli recognized by the reddish eyes... this one haven't it. It's sure a sarcophagid?

Posted by Zeegers on 14-10-2007 20:14
#4

Yes, it's sure.
This one is worn, as pointed out by Tony.
I know, those exceptions...


Theo

Posted by Isidro on 14-10-2007 21:15
#5

OK thanks... strange sarcophagid!!!

Posted by Isidro on 14-10-2007 21:15
#6

OK thanks... strange sarcophagid!!!

Posted by Tony Irwin on 14-10-2007 22:14
#7

Apart from the worn and ragged wings, the thorax and abdomen dusting pattern has worn thin, so that the black ground-colour shows through, and the once-bright eyes are dull. This is a very "old" fly that looks like it has seen plenty of action.
Lots of flies can look different when they get to this age, but then so do people ... :(
Incidentally, you mentioned the large tarsi - those very large foot pads (pulvilli) are a good clue that the fly is Sarcophaga. Most tachinids have smaller feet (but, as Theo says - there are always exceptions!)

Edited by Tony Irwin on 14-10-2007 22:18