Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Lauxaniidae (?) at dead caterpillar of Cydalima perspectalis (15.06.21) --> Lonchaeidae

Posted by Juergen Peters on 16-06-2021 16:49
#1
Hello,

many tiny flies met at a dead caterpillar of a Box-tree Moth on a leaf near a Buxus bush in our garden yesterday (northwest Germany). They looked like Calliopum aeneum/simillimum, but were considerably smaller, only about 2.5 mm. What are they?
Edited by Juergen Peters on 16-06-2021 21:01

Posted by Juergen Peters on 16-06-2021 16:49
#2
Pic #2

Posted by Juergen Peters on 16-06-2021 16:49
#3
Pic #3

Posted by Jan Maca on 16-06-2021 19:59
#4
The flies seem to be Lonchaeidae. For similar behavior of lonchaeids see
Dobson, J. R. 1992: Are adult Lonchaeidae (Diptera) specialized kleptoparasites of spiders’ prey? British Journal of Entomology and Natural History, 5: 33-34.
Also Fig.1 in https://home.czu.cz/storage/515/52373_Lonchaeidae-Krkonose.pdf

Posted by Iain MacGowan on 16-06-2021 20:15
#5
How interesting to see so many together "hunting in a pack"! they all seem to be females. Is there any chance there are still some about that you could photo or capture?
Iain

Posted by Juergen Peters on 16-06-2021 21:01
#6
Thank you, Jan!

@Iain: That scene occured in my garden, so I can take a look there nearly everyday. Will be a big luck, though, to see such happening again...

Posted by Juergen Peters on 16-06-2021 22:42
#7
Hello,

this fly just visited the light in garden. I am not sure, if it is the same species.