Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Australian Bombylidae

Posted by Susan R Walter on 04-07-2006 22:09
#1
This was taken by my sister. I couldn't take the picture because it was me the fly was determined to land on - my sweat was obviously tastier than hersWink. Taken at Newcastle Waters, Northern Territory, Australia on 12 April 2006. Newcastle Waters is pretty much where the transition between arid interior and wet tropics occurs, and the wet season had just had a last flurry of activity, with the road to the township itself flooded. I saw a number of similar, but not identical, beeflies, on my trip, including at Mary River Roadhouse, which is on the edge of Kakadu National Park and World Heritage site. Obviously short tongued, perhaps one of the apparently ubiquitous Anthrax species group?

I am hoping this is one for David Gibbs, and then I can spring all my other Australian Bombylids on himPfft

Posted by Susan R Walter on 04-07-2006 22:10
#2
And a different view

Posted by David Gibbs on 05-07-2006 12:53
#3
I would love to be able to help Susan but my beefly experience is rather restricted to the Western palaerctic.

Posted by Susan R Walter on 06-07-2006 12:41
#4
SadAnd I had such high hopes. Still, it's great to have you on the forum for the European species - they are a very appealing family and one I always enjoy seeing, wherever they are.

Posted by David Gibbs on 07-07-2006 11:15
#5
David Greathead tells me-

The insect is a species of Thraxan, recently separated from Anthrax. I can follow the key to species as far as the point where all subsequent characters in the couplets relate to details of the male genitalia. There are evidently, several species with the same white scale pattern on the abdomen. See Yeates & Lambkin (1998) Invertebrate Taxonomy, 12: 977-1078 for a revision ot the Australian Anthracini.

hows that for service?Smile

Posted by Susan R Walter on 07-07-2006 13:24
#6
Grin I am impressed indeed! This is really kind of you to go to the trouble. I have been tossing up whether to get in touch with Christine Lambkin about the Australian beeflies, but I expect she is terribly busy, and my photos are not really going to add much to the cause of science. My sister will be pleased to give the photos 'proper' names though. I am pleased that I was heading in the right direction with my thoughts on ID as well.

Posted by Susan R Walter on 07-07-2006 13:35
#7
PS Do thank David Greathead for me as well - much appreciated that he would take the time.