Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Tiny predator flies from Japan

Posted by Xespok on 30-07-2005 11:59
#1
This one caught an Aphid?
www.diptera.info/forim/5-0551-1.jpg

Posted by Xespok on 30-07-2005 12:00
#2
Another vire of the same fly without the prey.
www.diptera.info/forim/5-0551-2.jpg

Posted by Xespok on 30-07-2005 12:02
#3
This one caught a smaller diptera (A Lauxaniidae?)
www.diptera.info/forim/5-0551-3.jpg

Posted by Xespok on 30-07-2005 12:03
#4
The same fly wihout the prey.
www.diptera.info/forim/5-0551-4.jpg

Posted by Xespok on 02-08-2005 11:31
#5
I forgot to ask the question here.

I though that only Dolichopodidae are predators in this size range. However, none of these flies looks like a Dolichopodidae. What family do these flies belong to?

Posted by Paul Beuk on 02-08-2005 18:04
#6
They are Muscidae or Anthomyiidae. There are predators in these families as well. Maybe Kahis can fill you in on those.

Posted by Kahis on 02-08-2005 20:24
#7
Me? But but but ... I'm no muscid manShockFrown

Having said the truth, I am now free to speculate Smile My vote goes to Coenosia, or at least tribe Coenosiini of Muscidae. This genus holds the smallest muscids and some species are extremely common on meadows and among grass on shores. Little is known about the lifestyle of adults, but at least some species are predatory. Coenosia females are often much darker than males and it is sometimes difficult to associate males and females of the same species.

I think the small yellow fly in the 3rd pic is a chloropid.

Jere