Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Hairy legged asilid from Tanzania

Posted by pbertner on 11-11-2014 14:54
#1
From the Udzungwa mountains, Tanzania.

farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15766311892_784912a50f_b.jpg

farm8.staticflickr.com/7461/15579960390_c0053d827a_b.jpg

Thanks for any help,
Paul

Posted by jaho on 11-11-2014 17:11
#2
Wow! I have no idea about the id, but makes an impression! TumbsUp

Posted by Eric Fisher on 11-11-2014 18:33
#3
A fabulous asilid Paul! It is a male Pegesimallus sp. This is a very large genus, mainly African -- in which the males of some spp. have extremely flashy leg ornamentation. Pegesimallus is in the Megapodinae, and is the only Old World member of this otherwise Neotropical group. Possibly Jason Londt (S. Africa) could recognize this particular species to sight, otherwise the specimen would need to be indentified by close examination of the specimen.

Cheers,

Eric

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 11-11-2014 20:36
#4
WOW! Magnificent, Paul!!

Posted by benoit gilles on 11-11-2014 22:11
#5
Splendid !! Thank you to Mother Nature for offer us such a show!

Benoît

Posted by sd on 11-11-2014 22:37
#6
I was fortunate to see Pegesimallus males performing their display flight last year in Zambia. They floated up and down vertically with the leg scales flashing silver in dappled sunlight, 1-3 m above the ground.
Regards,
Steve

Posted by pbertner on 12-11-2014 07:45
#7
Thanks Eric, the ID and info is much appreciated. I didn't get to see any displays unfortunately but when it flew off, rather laboriously for a robberfly, seemingly dragging its hindlegs behind it I can imagine it would be quite a display.

Posted by Piluca_Alvarez on 12-11-2014 14:32
#8
Just the fly is a proper display! Wink What a beauty!!! Smile I am absolutely in love!! Grin Grin Grin Thanks for posting, Paul! Smile

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 14-11-2014 13:02
#9
Paul, submit these photos to the gallery , please. Thanks. Smile