Diptera.info

Posted by Susan R Walter on 12-05-2006 19:01

This fly, which I think is a dance or robber fly, was taken in the middle of the day in April, south of Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory of Australia (ie arid desert country). It was about 15mm. I was extremely lucky to get this shot, as there was a strong wind blowing and the fly was hunting. Indeed, it took the opportunity to catch a bush fly (a small muscid) that landed on my camera lens. It then hung from one leg and consumed its catch. I took about 10 photos with my little Olympus compact, but this is the only one that is even close to being in focus.

Edited by Susan R Walter on 12-05-2006 19:44

Posted by Susan R Walter on 12-05-2006 19:06

This picture is to give you an idea of the habitat it was found in. The fly was photographed in the Acacia sp bushes on top of the higher ground in the background. This is in fact a creek bed. The whole place was buzzing with life, as there was permanent water, so dozens of budgerigars (which are native to Australia) and hundreds of zebra finches.

Edited by Susan R Walter on 12-05-2006 19:07

Posted by Susan R Walter on 12-05-2006 19:54

I know - it does to me too. The minute I had posted it I thought Empididae was a mistake. Just having some sort of brainstorm at the time I guess.

Posted by Eric Fisher on 21-05-2006 01:01

Hi Susan,

This is indeed an Asilidae; genus is probably Chrysopogon. Bet you had fun on your Australian venture!

Eric

Posted by Susan R Walter on 21-05-2006 11:57

Thanks Eric. I see there are lots of Chrysopogon spp listed for Australia, and several of them in the Northern Territory.

I did indeed have fun. I was travelling with my father, who knows and loves the Northern Territory well. Although it was a holiday we were also surveying for wedgetailed eagles (I was there to press the button on the GPS).