Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Soldier Fly?
#1
This fly has stumped me for a long time. The nearest image I can find is
Stratiomys potamida at
http://www.bioima...P39424.HTM
Am I close? Thanks for your help.
#2
Yes, Bruce, you are right. It is a soldier fly. Certainly
Stratiomys or one of the related genera. I will dig into it.
#3
Okay, it is
Stratiomys. The combination of the broad abdomen, shape of the antenna (club-shaped without terminal arista) and the presence of two strong spines on the scutellum virtually make it impossible for it to be something else. About 26 species in North America (in contrast to the meager four we have in the Netherlands...) make it difficult for me to say which one. The very conspicuous white hairs on the face make me wonder if it might be
S. barbata ('barbata' is 'bearded'
but you will need to get confirmation for that.
#4
Wow, Thanks Paul. I thought I was on the right track. I wish I had gottem some lateral views, but these flies are
very skittish and difficult to approach; sometimes I think the only time I get a good shot is when a fly is on its last legs or sick or drunk or something.
Oh, I forgot - are soldiers like the Syrphidae, if the eyes meet, it's a male?
#5
Hello Bruce,
To give a short and direct answer to the last question: YES!
Greetings
#6
And a short addition: In most cases!
#7
Ha! Yes, there is nothing as invariable as variation.
Thanks, Gerard and Paul.
Now I'm reading up on these flies, and several sources (most notably the
National Audubon Society Field Guide) declare this family of flies "sluggish and inactive." Yeah right. Try getting one to hold still for a portrait...
#8
Bruce Marlin wrote:
several sources (most notably the National Audubon Society Field Guide) declare this family of flies "sluggish and inactive." Yeah right. Try getting one to hold still for a portrait...
Just wait till the weather get nice and warm, the some can surprise you (as you noticed).