Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Gymnocheta viridis?

Posted by Juergen Peters on 22-04-2006 03:52
#1

Hello!

This fly was sunbathing on a tree trunk yesterday (Ostwestfalen/Germany). It was a little bit bigger and more slender than Lucilia. I suppose it could be Gymnocheta viridis, right? Thanks in advance!

Edited by Juergen Peters on 22-04-2006 03:52

Posted by Zeegers on 22-04-2006 10:16
#2

Juergen,

Congratulations, that's the one.

Males are typically found on stems or trunks of trees in the sun.

Well illustrated by your picture


Theo Zeegers

Posted by Juergen Peters on 22-04-2006 23:14
#3

Hello Theo,

thanks a lot!

Posted by ChrisR on 24-04-2006 11:24
#4

Yup G.viridis were out in force yesterday in Oxfordshire, England. :D

Posted by Juergen Peters on 26-04-2006 00:57
#5

Hello, Chris!

Chris Raper wrote:
Yup G.viridis were out in force yesterday in Oxfordshire, England. :D


Two days ago, when that photo was taken, it was the only individual. Yesterday (22 ?C) there were dozens of them on many trees at the wood :-).

Posted by ChrisR on 26-04-2006 13:52
#6

Yes, they can be very numerous. Reminds me of the time I ran a Malaise trap next to a G.viridis tree. When I set the trap there were 4-5 flies on the tree - when I collected the trap 3 days later there were about 10 flies in the trap and 4-5 on the tree. This pattern went on for 2 weeks - I always caught plenty but there were always 4-5 more on the tree.

Needless to say, I wasn't trapping for G.viridis - they were just unfortunate to be in my trapping area. The population wasn't affected in subsequent years - i just think flies are less territorial and far more mobile in the countryside than most people think.