Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Enormous size differences in Calliphora

Posted by Juergen Peters on 16-11-2007 16:41
#1

Hello!

I know that the sizes in Calliphoridae and other flies may differ depending on the feeding situation of the larvae, temperatures and other factors, and that males are normally smaller. But in this case I first thought it was another fly species climbing around and even on other ("normal" sized) Calliphoras on a rotting banana in our garden yesterday (Ostwestfalen/Germany). It was less than half as big as the others!

Two additional pictures (one larger):
http://www.foto-u...mall_3.jpg
http://www.foto-u...mall_4.jpg

Posted by Juergen Peters on 16-11-2007 16:42
#2

Another picture.

Posted by Juergen Peters on 16-11-2007 16:43
#3

A close-up of the small male.


Two other pics:
http://www.foto-u...mall_2.jpg
http://www.foto-u...mall_3.jpg

Edited by Juergen Peters on 16-11-2007 16:43

Posted by Juergen Peters on 16-11-2007 16:45
#4

...at the house. Not quite as small as the other one.

I noticed that the thorax is partly blue metallic. Is this really a Calliphora, too?

Posted by Susan R Walter on 17-11-2007 23:37
#5

Juergen

I'm thinking your little guys are Melinda gentilis.

Posted by Xespok on 18-11-2007 00:22
#6

Susan, I do not think so. I think they are Calliphora. The way M bends is quite unique and very much unlike in Melinda.

Posted by Susan R Walter on 18-11-2007 00:47
#7

Yes, I see what you mean. But they don't appear to be C vicina or vomitoria. C lowei or C uralensis then?

Posted by Juergen Peters on 18-11-2007 00:56
#8

Hello, Susan and Gabor!

My first thought was Melinda, too, because of the small size. But when comparing them with my Melinda pictures, I did not only notice the different M bend, but also that Melinda has a more broadly striped thorax. Best seen on pic #2 and #3 below.