Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Structures in Tipula abdomen

Posted by John Bratton on 15-10-2022 20:01
#1

The fly is Tipula confusa, caught 7 October 2022 at Moelyci Farm, Tregarth, North Wales. It was quite lively when I caught it, but under the microscope I saw the tip of the abdomen was missing. In the cavity were some black spheres attached by thin strands - photo. I'm wondering if these are fungi and would they be the cause of the Tipula losing its abdomen tip?

Posted by Tony Irwin on 16-10-2022 12:40
#2

I would say these black spheres are spermathecae - the structures in which the female stores sperm before fertilization of the eggs. Quite why the fly should be missing its abdomen tip, I don't know.

Posted by John Bratton on 16-10-2022 17:07
#3

Thanks very much for the explanation.
John