Posted by SteveC on 24-01-2009 18:43
#1
I originally posted this as a general query but I'm assured it's Asilidae [and possibly Machismus rusticus as suggested from a different forum]. Taken on chalk downland in Wiltshire, UK. 29-06-05. Don't remember size but it's sat on the isolator of an electric fence pole if that helps with scale! Any suggestions gratefully received.
TIA.
Steve.
Edited by SteveC on 24-01-2009 19:17
Posted by SteveC on 25-01-2009 14:13
#3
Danny Wolff wrote:
Hi,
this is a female Leptarthrus brevirostris.
Greetings, Danny Wolff
Many thanks Danny.
All the features fit, except one, the abdomen on my specimen has grey 'blobs' on each tergite whereas the specimen in 'Stubbs & Drake' is all black. The description also states a black abdomen. Could mine be recently emerged and the grey is just an artefact of being a 'fresh' specimen?
Cheers,
Steve.
Edit: just looked at some pics in Malcolm Storeys excellent Bioimages website and it is clear that these grey markings are only visible in lateral views - from a dorsal position the abdomen appears entirely black; mystery solved and thanks again Danny:)
Edited by SteveC on 25-01-2009 17:25