Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Attractive Fly, Perching Upside Down

Posted by Stephen on 24-04-2007 01:08
#1

This nice-looking fly perched upside down, from the underside of a leaf.

Family Bibionidae, perhaps? Any ID help would be appreciated.

Woodland, near meadows, West Virginia USA. Photographed 22 April 2007. Length 7.4 mm.

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 24-04-2007 01:32
#2

not bibionidae.
Empididae?

Posted by Paul Beuk on 24-04-2007 08:02
#3

The realtively short proboscis does suggest a species of Rhamphomyia. Wing venation could confirm that suggestion.

Posted by igor on 24-04-2007 08:25
#4

Empis

Posted by igor on 24-04-2007 09:32
#5

Empis spectabilis Loew, 1862

Posted by Trev on 24-04-2007 11:24
#6

I think this is Promachus rufipes, red footed robber fly

Edited by Trev on 24-04-2007 11:34

Posted by Trev on 24-04-2007 11:35
#7

www.potd.com.au/gallery/albums/userpics/12616/normal_flyicide.jpg
Promachus rufipes
Red Footed Robber Fly or Cannibal Fly with a Mantidfly

Edited by Trev on 24-04-2007 11:37

Posted by Paul Beuk on 24-04-2007 11:37
#8

Definitely no robberfly: no depression between eyes, proboscis pointing downward rather than forward, and a host of other jizzy characters. I am little familiar with the North American empids, but if Igor says Empis spectabilis, I have no reason to doubt his identification.

Posted by igor on 24-04-2007 11:44
#9

Thank you, Paul! Indeed, I had a chance to study this species.
Igor