Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Brachypalpus valgus?

Posted by Andreas Haselboeck on 07-04-2009 20:08
#1
Hello,
today I found this fly near Frankfurt/Main (Germany) on an old apple tree.
Is this Brachypalpus valgus or an other species?

Best regards
Andreas

Posted by Andreas Haselboeck on 07-04-2009 20:09
#2
Another picture

Posted by Andreas Haselboeck on 07-04-2009 20:10
#3
Another picture

Posted by romunov on 08-04-2009 19:09
#4
This one kind of reminds me of Bombyliidae. Shock

Posted by zhengxialin on 10-04-2009 02:56
#5
Yes, it's Bombyliidae. They are commonly found on flowers. They are fuzzy bodied flies that feed on nectar.

Posted by caliprobola on 10-04-2009 05:42
#6
The first pictures are certainly Brachypalpus (Syrphidae) and certainly not Bombyliidae. It looks like B. valgus to me but i have no experience with the genus.

Posted by romunov on 10-04-2009 06:59
#7
Disguise works! Grin

Posted by caliprobola on 10-04-2009 10:06
#8
Well, both are bee mimics...

Posted by romunov on 12-04-2009 12:33
#9
Perhaps Brachypalpus mimics Bombyliidae to ward of potential hoverfly enthusiast. Smile

Posted by Andreas Haselboeck on 12-04-2009 20:30
#10
Hello romunov, Hello zhengxialin,
I never doubted that it is Syrphidae - Brachypalpus. Bombyliidae has totally other wings and antennas. Thanks for trying an ID.

Hello caliprobola,
Thank you for confirming Brachypalpus und your assessment of B. valgus.

Regards,
Andreas