Diptera.info

Posted by Robert Heemskerk on 12-02-2008 23:35

Hi flyforum,

On 3-02 I found a larvae of Phlogophora meticulosa, in bad condition.
The larvae was in the latest stadium before it becomes a cocon(I think so)
I collected it in a box and after some days I concluded that the transformation was unsuccessful.

Looking better to this dead caterpillar I found two cocons.
Phryxe nemea could be parasite-guest?
But in wintertime?

Does the Phlogophora meticulosa have these parasite-eggs? or larvae on itsself during wintertime?
Or is this fly active during wintertime?

Edited by Robert Heemskerk on 12-02-2008 23:36

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 13-02-2008 13:49

there are other two parasitoids, at least, besides Phryxe nemea. They are
Phryxe vulgaris
Siphona cristata
Very probably there are much more tachinids.

Posted by Robert Heemskerk on 26-02-2008 23:08

One of these flies left the cocon.

Seems Phryxe nemea (male) to me, but I don't have any experience with other Phryxe sp..

Edited by Robert Heemskerk on 26-02-2008 23:09

Posted by ChrisR on 27-02-2008 13:30

I'd be happy with that

(Assuming I haven't missed something obvious that Theo will point out to me and it keys to Phryxe

)The mustard-coloured dusting on the parafrontal region and wide separation between the parafacial and facial-ridge bristles strongly indicates this

Posted by Robert Heemskerk on 28-02-2008 21:15

Thank you Chris,

Here one other picture, to illustrate the mustard-coloured dusting on the parafrontal region.

The other flie didn't succeed, I think something went wrong when sneaking out..

Edited by Robert Heemskerk on 28-02-2008 21:15

Posted by Robert Heemskerk on 29-02-2008 11:47

thank you Theo,

just for the little details:

Looking at the single, long and strong bristles on the frontal head (pic 2,3,4), I thought this was a male? Picture 4 got a false (flashlight)shadow on the head, so singlehairs may look double?

The other fly(on pic 5), could be male too? (not developed completely)

I'll place two detailes pictures of the frontal heads of the two flies underneath:

fly 1)

Edited by Robert Heemskerk on 29-02-2008 11:51

Posted by Zeegers on 01-03-2008 18:12

#11

The first one has (2 pairs of) proclinate orbital setae, the second one doesn't, That makes the first one female, the seond male.
General rule of thumb for most Tachinids.

Theo