Thread subject: Diptera.info :: What is this very black fly?

Posted by conopid on 10-08-2006 22:41
#1
I found this in limestone woodland today. I have never seen it before (or at least I have never noticed it before). I am trying to ID the family with Colyer & Hammond, but meanwhile I thought Diptera.info might like to suggest an identity.

Posted by conopid on 10-08-2006 22:42
#2
And here's a lateral view - it has big genitalia

Posted by conopid on 10-08-2006 23:02
#3
After a quick search of images and Colyer & Hammond I think this is a member of the family Platypezidae. Am I correct? Can anyone suggest a genus and advise on how to ID it?

Posted by Tony Irwin on 11-08-2006 01:24
#4
Hi Nigel
Yes it's Platypezidae, and the name that springs to mind is Lindneromyia dorsalis, a relatively early species (many of the others occur later in the summer and autumn, when fungal fruiting bodies are more in evidence). I don't have the right literature to hand to check this ID, but I know that the regulars on this site won't hesitate to correct me if I'm wrong! Wink
This species is recognisable on wing venation and body colouration (many of the others have grey or orange markings). The flight time is also a guide, as I mentioned before.
Peter Chandler has produced an excellent Fauna Ent. Scand. monograph which is the standard work.

Posted by Kahis on 11-08-2006 05:54
#5
Since you ask I must correct you Grin It belongs to Callomyia speciosa (Platypezidae)

Posted by conopid on 11-08-2006 08:22
#6
Thanks Kahis and Tony. This one was caught on 10 August, so I guess it is one of the late season fungal specialists.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 11-08-2006 09:52
#7
"Whither Memory, that most unreliable of friends?" Sad