Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Fly With Bubble of Sap

Posted by Stephen on 06-11-2006 00:20
#1

I didn't expect to find such a nice fly in November. It was a warm day and the Sugar Maple tree was oozing sap. Several different fly families were represented, feeding on the sap.

When I looked at this fly, I thought, "It looks familiar. What West Virginia flies does this remind me of?" The answer: flies in Lauxaniidae, Drosophilidae, Scathophagidae, and Phoridae.

As I read up on the families, I eliminated Phoridae and Scathophagidae. I am leaning toward Drosophilidae. Can someone help me here?

The arista, by the way, seemed to be plumose but maybe not all the way to the tip.

Photo taken today, West Virginia USA, woodlands. Length, 6.3 mm from the front of the eyes to the rear of the abdomen.

Edited by Stephen on 06-11-2006 03:28