Thread subject: Diptera.info :: ID Help: Female Scorpion Fly?

Posted by ellio on 23-05-2007 11:55
#1
Hi Folks,

I shot this a couple of days ago as it was warming up in a patch of nettles. Its quite big, approx 15-20mm in length. The patterned wings folded flat on top forming a nice V. Am I close with a Scorpion Fly?

Posted by ChrisR on 23-05-2007 13:05
#2
No, sorry - not even in the same ballpark Wink Scorpion flies are a different order (Mecoptera) of 4-winged insects, more closely related to lacewings etc. Yours is correct for this forum though because it is a 2-winged fly (Diptera) belonging to the genus Rhagio; family Rhagionidae - also called 'Snipe Flies'. But I'm not sure which species it is.
Edited by ChrisR on 23-05-2007 13:08

Posted by Smoggycb on 23-05-2007 14:25
#3
I think this R. scolopaceus

Posted by Zeegers on 23-05-2007 16:53
#4
I agree


Theo Zeegers

Posted by ellio on 28-05-2007 13:06
#5
Thanks all for the ID. This website certainly has helped my identify these curious little creatures. Smile

Posted by jezlee on 28-05-2007 19:47
#6
Nice shot, Elliot! What set-up do you use for your pics?

Jez

Posted by ellio on 29-05-2007 18:20
#7
Hi Jez,

Its very simple. A DSLR, 100mm F2.8 Macro, 25mm Extension tube, EX550 flash with Stofen diffuser. Flash is set to -2.0 so its very subtle, but lifts the colours and adds a little punch. The stofen bounces and spreads the light around. Oh yeah, very important, everything is on a very sturdy tripod. I use a Gitzo 1325 and an RSS BH55 ball head. I use a remote shutter release to remove any possibility of camera shake.

My website is just being rebuilt and will be on-line tomorrow. In the articles section there is a guide on straightforward, macro photography

Hope this helps Smile