Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Two mating positions?

Posted by Siga on 09-05-2018 19:28
#1

Hallo, I just used one of the rare opportunities to take a photo of a living insect in that insect-poor times. I suspect it is 'Eristalis , that's why I post it here. If it is another family, would you please transfer it?

I was very surprised to see the mating couple change position several times, without leaving the leaf, they were sitting on. I watched the couple about one minute. It was already in copulation when I came nearer. I attach a photo from every position.
I would like to know, if this behaviour of changing position is normal in that species or in that genus. And of course I hope, you can identificate the species.

Germany, Baden-Württemberg, Dreifaltigkeitsberg near Spaichingen 48,083332° 8,76299° 990 m
at 9th May 2018 on leaf of Tilia

Posted by Siga on 09-05-2018 19:30
#2

Now the other position

Posted by Juergen Peters on 09-05-2018 20:05
#3

Hello,

Siga wrote:
I suspect it is 'Eristalis


no, wing venation and shape of antennae do not match. I think it is Criorhina (asilica?).

Posted by Siga on 10-05-2018 07:16
#4

Thanks, Jürgen. I hope Paul will transfer the thread to the right forum

Posted by Gerrit Oehm on 12-05-2018 10:45
#5

@ Siga, Its still in the correct place in the forum, Criorhina is a Syrphid fly, too.

Posted by Siga on 02-06-2018 08:39
#6

Thanks for your remark: the much better.

I hope someone can tell the species (confirm Jürgens suggestion) and/or make some remarks to the switching from one position to the other during coupling.