Diptera.info :: Identification queries :: Diptera (adults)
 Soldier Fly?
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| Bruce Marlin |
Posted on 03-01-2005 02:44
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 Member Location: Chicago, Illinois USA Posts: 59 Joined: 12.12.04 |
This fly has stumped me for a long time. The nearest image I can find is Stratiomys potamida at http://www.bioima...P39424.HTM Am I close? Thanks for your help.   |
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| Paul Beuk |
Posted on 03-01-2005 06:46
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 Super Administrator Location: Netherlands Posts: 19403 Joined: 11.05.04 |
Yes, Bruce, you are right. It is a soldier fly. Certainly Stratiomys or one of the related genera. I will dig into it. Paul - - - - Paul Beuk on https://diptera.info |
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| Paul Beuk |
Posted on 03-01-2005 07:01
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Super Administrator Location: Netherlands Posts: 19403 Joined: 11.05.04 |
Okay, it is Stratiomys. The combination of the broad abdomen, shape of the antenna (club-shaped without terminal arista) and the presence of two strong spines on the scutellum virtually make it impossible for it to be something else. About 26 species in North America (in contrast to the meager four we have in the Netherlands...) make it difficult for me to say which one. The very conspicuous white hairs on the face make me wonder if it might be S. barbata ('barbata' is 'bearded' but you will need to get confirmation for that.
Paul - - - - Paul Beuk on https://diptera.info |
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| Bruce Marlin |
Posted on 03-01-2005 19:39
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Member Location: Chicago, Illinois USA Posts: 59 Joined: 12.12.04 |
Wow, Thanks Paul. I thought I was on the right track. I wish I had gottem some lateral views, but these flies are very skittish and difficult to approach; sometimes I think the only time I get a good shot is when a fly is on its last legs or sick or drunk or something.  Oh, I forgot - are soldiers like the Syrphidae, if the eyes meet, it's a male? Edited by Bruce Marlin on 03-01-2005 19:41 |
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| Gerard Pennards |
Posted on 03-01-2005 23:11
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 Member Location: Amersfoort Posts: 1914 Joined: 07.06.04 |
Hello Bruce, To give a short and direct answer to the last question: YES!  Greetings Greetings, Gerard Pennards |
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| Paul Beuk |
Posted on 04-01-2005 06:40
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Super Administrator Location: Netherlands Posts: 19403 Joined: 11.05.04 |
And a short addition: In most cases! 
Paul - - - - Paul Beuk on https://diptera.info |
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| Bruce Marlin |
Posted on 04-01-2005 19:29
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Member Location: Chicago, Illinois USA Posts: 59 Joined: 12.12.04 |
Ha! Yes, there is nothing as invariable as variation. Thanks, Gerard and Paul. Now I'm reading up on these flies, and several sources (most notably the National Audubon Society Field Guide) declare this family of flies "sluggish and inactive." Yeah right. Try getting one to hold still for a portrait... |
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| Paul Beuk |
Posted on 04-01-2005 20:07
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Super Administrator Location: Netherlands Posts: 19403 Joined: 11.05.04 |
Bruce Marlin wrote: several sources (most notably the National Audubon Society Field Guide) declare this family of flies "sluggish and inactive." Yeah right. Try getting one to hold still for a portrait... Just wait till the weather get nice and warm, the some can surprise you (as you noticed).
Paul - - - - Paul Beuk on https://diptera.info |
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