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Structures in Tipula abdomen
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John Bratton |
Posted on 15-10-2022 19:01
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Member Location: Posts: 638 Joined: 17.10.06 |
The fly is Tipula confusa, caught 7 October 2022 at Moelyci Farm, Tregarth, North Wales. It was quite lively when I caught it, but under the microscope I saw the tip of the abdomen was missing. In the cavity were some black spheres attached by thin strands - photo. I'm wondering if these are fungi and would they be the cause of the Tipula losing its abdomen tip? |
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Tony Irwin |
Posted on 16-10-2022 11:40
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Member Location: Posts: 7168 Joined: 19.11.04 |
I would say these black spheres are spermathecae - the structures in which the female stores sperm before fertilization of the eggs. Quite why the fly should be missing its abdomen tip, I don't know.
Tony ---------- Tony Irwin |
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John Bratton |
Posted on 16-10-2022 16:07
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Member Location: Posts: 638 Joined: 17.10.06 |
Thanks very much for the explanation. John |
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