Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Meloe-riding

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 10-07-2006 12:35
#1

Hello

These small flies were very intesrested in doing "Meloe-riding". They stay on the coleo even when he was moving.

Are these Ceratopogonidae?

Thanks

Christophe

Edited by Christophe Grangier on 10-07-2006 12:37

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 10-07-2006 12:38
#2

closer view

Posted by Paul Beuk on 10-07-2006 12:39
#3

Yes, they are. There are quite a few species that actually suck haemolymph on insects, but it is just that we do not often notice them. Maybe someone else knows more about oible genus/species.

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 10-07-2006 17:21
#4

Thank you for the comments, Paul :)

Christophe

Posted by Tony Irwin on 11-07-2006 11:34
#5

These are Atrichopogon meloesugans (Ceratopogonidae), a specialist feeder on Meloe. I have found this species once before, feeding on the abdomen of a female Meloe violaceus.
Tony

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 11-07-2006 11:42
#6

Great! Thank you very much.
I'm glad to learn this. May I ask if it's a frequent species, if it's known?

Christophe

Posted by Robert Nash on 11-07-2006 16:19
#7

Now known as Atrichopogon (Meloehelea) winnertzi Goetghebuer 1922 if you're looking it up.
Robert

Posted by Christophe Grangier on 14-07-2006 15:04
#8

ok thanks a lot