Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Doing their Part to Keep Fly Numbers Up

Posted by Stephen on 05-08-2006 18:16
#1
These flies were about 5 mm long, photographed in a wetland 28 May 2006. Location West Virginia USA.

Gray striped abdomens and plumose arista add up to Muscidae?

Thanks in advance for any ID help.

Posted by Stephen on 05-08-2006 18:18
#2
Second photo showing more detail.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 05-08-2006 19:34
#3
Hi Stephen
I have to say these look alot like Sarcophagidae to me. I think I can see a row of hypopleural bristles on the female, and the colouration and shape all fit Sarcophaga or one of the related genera. One of the notable features of these flies are the very large foot pads (pulvilli), particularly noticeable in this male. (The developing foot-pad in Sarcophaga has giant (polytene) chromosomes, same as in Drosophila larva salivary glands. Shock Wink )

Posted by Zeegers on 06-08-2006 11:51
#4
Tony is right.
It is a Sarcophaga (s.l.)


Theo

Posted by Stephen on 06-08-2006 11:54
#5
Tony, Zeegers, Thanks very much for correcting my ID. I am learning a lot!