Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Melangyna labiatarum? female

Posted by blowave on 23-07-2011 20:27
#1
Hi,

It seems there has been some lumping of M. compositarum and M. labiatarum, does anyone know if this has been settled for certain?

I keyed this and it seems to fit Melangyna labiatarum. It was feeding on Ground Elder along the side of the roadside drain at the front of my garden, under the shelter of trees and with nearby woods. 7th June, near Lincoln UK.

Janet

Posted by blowave on 23-07-2011 20:28
#2
pic 2

Posted by blowave on 23-07-2011 20:28
#3
pic 3

Posted by blowave on 23-07-2011 20:29
#4
pic 4

Posted by blowave on 23-07-2011 20:29
#5
pic 5

Posted by blowave on 23-07-2011 20:30
#6
I lightened this one to show the dusting
Edited by blowave on 23-07-2011 20:30

Posted by Sundew on 23-07-2011 23:24
#7
I'd like to cite the opinion of Roger K. A. Morris in another forum (http://www.hoverf...eccfea625b):
"Melangyna cannot be done from photos. ... The most likely grouping is either M. labiatarum or M. compositarum but microscopic examination is needed to separate the males - females cannot be separated."

Posted by blowave on 24-07-2011 00:35
#8
Sundew wrote:
I'd like to cite the opinion of Roger K. A. Morris in another forum (http://www.hoverf...eccfea625b):
"Melangyna cannot be done from photos. ... The most likely grouping is either M. labiatarum or M. compositarum but microscopic examination is needed to separate the males - females cannot be separated."


You have cited the opinion of Roger Morris. Smile

But, that is nearly three years ago! I am well aware of the threads on the HRS site.

May I bring your attention to a thread on this site which might make things a little clearer..

http://diptera.in...ost_114015

Unfortunately the thread was never updated. As the latest edition of Mark van Veen keys "Hoverflies of Northwest Europe" states that the two species "may be a single species" but gives keys to both (females included), and the keys post date both the thread you have linked to and the thread here which I have linked to, someone out there might know the latest on this.

Posted by Sundew on 24-07-2011 14:01
#9
So perhaps Mark van Veen himself could enlighten us a bit? He is a member of our forum, and it is not so long since he was seen here the last time Wink.

Posted by blowave on 24-07-2011 14:42
#10
Sundew wrote:
So perhaps Mark van Veen himself could enlighten us a bit? He is a member of our forum, and it is not so long since he was seen here the last time Wink.


A very good idea! I had seen Mark here a few weeks ago, maybe I could find him anf PM him so when he next visits he won't miss this.