Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Meloe-riding

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 10-07-2006 11:35
#1
Hello

These small flies were very intesrested in doing "Meloe-riding". They stay on the coleo even when he was moving.

Are these Ceratopogonidae?

Thanks

Christophe
Edited by Christophe Grangier on 10-07-2006 11:37

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 10-07-2006 11:38
#2
closer view

Posted by Paul Beuk on 10-07-2006 11:39
#3
Yes, they are. There are quite a few species that actually suck haemolymph on insects, but it is just that we do not often notice them. Maybe someone else knows more about oible genus/species.

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 10-07-2006 16:21
#4
Thank you for the comments, Paul Smile

Christophe

Posted by Tony Irwin on 11-07-2006 10:34
#5
These are Atrichopogon meloesugans (Ceratopogonidae), a specialist feeder on Meloe. I have found this species once before, feeding on the abdomen of a female Meloe violaceus.
Tony

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 11-07-2006 10:42
#6
Great! Thank you very much.
I'm glad to learn this. May I ask if it's a frequent species, if it's known?

Christophe

Posted by Robert Nash on 11-07-2006 15:19
#7
Now known as Atrichopogon (Meloehelea) winnertzi Goetghebuer 1922 if you're looking it up.
Robert

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 14-07-2006 14:04
#8
ok thanks a lot