Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Muscidae, Maybe?

Posted by Stephen on 21-07-2006 13:16
#1
On horse dung. Is this a Muscid?

ID help appreciated. I am trying to learn how to identify the various families.

Posted by Paul Beuk on 21-07-2006 13:21
#2
Certainly looks like it.

Posted by Kahis on 21-07-2006 14:15
#3
Yes. It is probably a Helina.

Posted by Stephen on 21-07-2006 14:33
#4
Paul, Kahis, thanks very much!

Is Muscidae one of those families where the huge-eyed flies (like this one) are males?

I think I am right in saying only some families have big-eyed males and small-eyed females?

Thanks again for the ID help.

Posted by Robert Nash on 21-07-2006 14:58
#5
Try http://ltreadwell.ifas.ufl.edu/insects/11Diptera.htm as an intro. Plane to catch so must go but I will get back to you Cheers Robert

Posted by Kahis on 21-07-2006 17:02
#6
Stephen wrote:
I think I am right in saying only some families have big-eyed males and small-eyed females?


Yes. But there are very few families where all species have males with eyes touching or approximated. For example in Muscidae we see the full range of options, from males and females virtually identical in head shape to very strong sexual dimorphism.

Posted by Stephen on 22-07-2006 11:46
#7
Robert, Thanks very much for the link to that site. It is a great resource for a beginner trying to learn the more common families. I also look forward to using the similar pages for Homoptera and Hemiptera! Thanks again for letting me know about this site.