Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Miltogramminae to ID
Posted by Rui Andrade on 03-09-2008 20:39
#1
This miltogrammine is relatively large compared to the ones I usually see. What could it be?
location: Barcelos, Portugal
date: 03/09/2008
Posted by Zeegers on 04-09-2008 21:04
#2
I'd preferred a close-up of the front tarsi (with specialized hairs in the male).
I'm rather sure this is Miltogramma punctatum.
Given the locality, I'd like Liekele to confirm.
Theo
Posted by Rui Andrade on 04-09-2008 22:50
#3
Here you have Theo, I hope the photos are good enough:
Posted by Zeegers on 05-09-2008 07:09
#4
Great job. You can see the specialized hairs.
Many (not all) male Miltogramma have these and they are highly species-specific.
This should be punctatum.
Theo
Posted by Rui Andrade on 05-09-2008 11:26
#5
Great, thanks Theo:).
What are these specialized hairs for?
Posted by Zeegers on 05-09-2008 17:29
#6
No idea.
Obvious hypothesis would be: grabbing the female while copulating.
However, 99,99 % of the flies can do that without these hairs.
SO that is not so satisfactory as explanation.
Theo
Posted by Rui Andrade on 05-09-2008 18:43
#7
Thanks again. Maybe they are sensory hairs...:|