Thread subject: Diptera.info :: What small fly is this?
#1
And what is it doing on those grass flowers?
Could I have family as well as genera/species please?
#2
A syrphid. Change the topic to attract attention.
#3
Nosferatumyia wrote:
A syrphid. Change the topic to attract attention.
Not quite sure what you mean there but I see its been moved into Syrphidae. Trouble is I don't know the fly families yet so i have to put them in General ID
#4
Lesson number one for me, Syrphids are Hoverflies!
#5
Might well be a
Melanostoma that is infected with
Entomophthora muscae, an insect 'eating' fungus. The posture seems to suggest so as do the greenish halters. Not certain anyone ever noticed the colour change, though.
#6
Paul Beuk wrote:
Might well be a Melanostoma that is infected with Entomophthora muscae, an insect 'eating' fungus. The posture seems to suggest so as do the greenish halters. Not certain anyone ever noticed the colour change, though.
Thanks Paul! Sorry if I'm being annoying with all these newbies qustions and mistakes, but my book doesnt list any of the species noted! Is there a good recommended book on Diptera widely available, old or new?
#7
Colyer & Hammond; Flies of the British Isles is very useful, but out of print (and getting pricey as a consequence). There is supposed to be a new version of the Dipterists Handbook, but we've been hearing that for forever...don't hold your breath. After that it gets a bit technical, depending on what families you want to "do"....
#8
phil withers wrote:
Colyer & Hammond; Flies of the British Isles is very useful, but out of print (and getting pricey as a consequence). There is supposed to be a new version of the Dipterists Handbook, but we've been hearing that for forever...don't hold your breath. After that it gets a bit technical, depending on what families you want to "do"....
Thanks, will look on bookmooch.com!
#9
Yes, it's a Melanostoma female...
greetings
#10
Thanks guys!
So Melanostoma, that would mean 'black mouth'!