Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Another Heleomyzid at Sugar Maple Sap

Posted by Stephen on 11-11-2006 15:28
#1

There is still lots of activity at the Sugar Maple tree, as unusual warm weather continues here. This fly was feeding on the sweet sap.

While it looks very similar to the one I posted a few days ago, the wing venation does seem different, and also the wing has some dark spots, for example on the cross veins, and elsewhere.

Photographed yesterday, woodlands, West Virginia USA.

Posted by Stephen on 11-11-2006 15:30
#2

Here's a view of the wing.

Edited by Stephen on 11-11-2006 15:38

Posted by Stephen on 11-11-2006 15:32
#3

Dorsal view of the front.

Posted by Stephen on 11-11-2006 15:34
#4

The last one, I promise! A look at the "face."

Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 11-11-2006 15:42
#5

I think this one is Suillia.
Nikita

Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 11-11-2006 15:47
#6

P.S.
1. Suillia, because 1+4 dc; 1 or;
2. To your question about winter in Virginia - Heleomyzidae is winter family, do not try to find it in summer (or almost)!

Posted by Stephen on 11-11-2006 16:09
#7

Ha, interesting about the wintertime habits of Heleomyzids! I went back to my records and found that the first Heleomyzid I ever photographed was in March (it's still cold here in March) and the others were in September, October, and November. You're right, I have no summer photos of them!

On point one, talk to me like you would talk to a seven-year-old child. I suspect dc means "discal cross vein," and I know where that is, but what does 1+4 mean? I'm not sure what "1 or" means, maybe it means one pair of orbital bristles?

Thanks for your help, Nikita!

Edited by Stephen on 11-11-2006 19:09

Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 11-11-2006 16:16
#8

I'm not sure what "1 or" means, maybe it means one pair of orbital bristles?
Yes.
dc - dorsocentral setas (you can find illustration in Google search). 1+4 = 1 pre + 4 postsutural dc setas
Nikita

Posted by Kahis on 11-11-2006 18:41
#9

Stephen, I hope you don't mind my heathen graffiti on your original photograph

www.elisanet.fi/jere.kahanpaa/varia/1plus4.jpg

The suture is not well visible in the photo. It is developed only on the sides of thorax in these flies.

Edited by Kahis on 11-11-2006 18:44

Posted by Stephen on 11-11-2006 19:05
#10

Nikita, Kahis, Thanks very much for clarifying!

Kahis, feel free to make grafitti on my photos at any time. The marked version was very helpful.

Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 11-11-2006 19:54
#11

Couldn't stop drawing on your photo:D

Posted by Andrzej on 16-11-2006 17:07
#12

Hi Stephen, ;)
Finally ID:
Suillia quinquepunctata (Say)
Regards,
Andrzej

Posted by Stephen on 17-11-2006 00:34
#13

Wow, ID to species, thanks, Andrzej. Dziekuje!