Thread subject: Diptera.info :: "Satellite fly" Leucophora (Anthomyiidae)?

Posted by Juergen Peters on 28-04-2008 17:31
#1

Hello!

Yesterday I made a peculiar observation of a small insect following an Andrena bee (most likely A. nitida) whereever this flew - in some centimeters distance, even when the bee made strong turns. (Northwest Germany.)

When the insect landed on grass halm, I recognized that it was a little (5-6 mm) fly looking like the Leucophora from the house wall, Michael Ackland identified for me some days ago.
When googling, I found that these flies are called "satellite flies" in English, because the indeed follow mining bees to gain access to their breeding tubes.

Posted by Juergen Peters on 28-04-2008 17:31
#2

Second picture.

Posted by Juergen Peters on 02-05-2008 19:10
#3

Hello!

No comments on that fly? And how about this one from April-29? It was larger than the one above, about 8 mm.

Posted by Juergen Peters on 02-05-2008 19:11
#4

More from the front.