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 Flies entering sand wasp (Bembicini) hole
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| Stephen |
Posted on 28-01-2021 15:47
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 Member Location: Posts: 1322 Joined: 12.04.05 |
Terrible small photos, but maybe someone will recognize the behavior. These flies were numerous around some gregarious sand wasps (Crabronidae: Bembicinae), and entered their holes when the wasps were not present. The wasps were, I believe, Stictia signata. Any thoughts about the family of fly? U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix), sandy beach about 15 meters from the ocean beach. Sand with patchy grass. I believe (by memory) the flies were about 3-4 mm long. 
Edited by Stephen on 28-01-2021 15:50 --Stephen Stephen Cresswell www.americaninsects.net |
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| Stephen |
Posted on 28-01-2021 15:48
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Member Location: Posts: 1322 Joined: 12.04.05 |
 Another photo, showing the entrance to the wasp burrow. --Stephen Stephen Cresswell www.americaninsects.net |
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| Xylosoma |
Posted on 28-01-2021 16:00
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Member Location: Posts: 43 Joined: 14.10.19 |
Hi, my first thought was Chloropidae. And indeed, it seems that your picture fits well to Liohippelates known as cleptoparasitic on Stictia signata. Regards Xylo Edited by Xylosoma on 28-01-2021 16:03 |
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| Stephen |
Posted on 29-01-2021 18:31
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Member Location: Posts: 1322 Joined: 12.04.05 |
Thanks, Xylo. Looking further into my files, I found a better photo and notes that the length was 2.2 mm to the wing apex.
Edited by Stephen on 29-01-2021 18:31 --Stephen Stephen Cresswell www.americaninsects.net |
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but don't see the image in the post.
