Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Two Ephydridae, 15.07.2006

Posted by Dmitry Gavryushin on 15-07-2006 23:57
#1

These pictures were taken (with a strong risk of tumbling down into the water - luckily enough I put my gum-boots on) near the railroad's embankment at the edge of a small pond where blocks of a cut down aspen tree were lying.

I think the first species was scared away from vegetation by my noisy approach to sit either on these tree blocks or small branches that remained on them. Rather big, 4-5mm, moving slow, and very dark in appearance (I just had to ajust levels in order to reveal more details). Maybe a Notiphila?

Edited by Dmitry Gavryushin on 16-07-2006 00:10

Posted by Dmitry Gavryushin on 15-07-2006 23:58
#2

Another view.

Posted by Dmitry Gavryushin on 16-07-2006 00:01
#3

The second species was smaller, around 3mm. I saw mating flies, too, but unlike Nikita :) wasn't able to capture the process :(, it was so quick. Maybe a Hydrellia sp.?

Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 16-07-2006 00:14
#4

Hi Dima.
My guess:
1,2 - Dichaeta caudata
3. Notiphila sp.
Nikita

Posted by Tony Irwin on 16-07-2006 07:49
#5

I agree with Nikita - the first one is Notiphila (s.g. Dichaeta) caudata female - the males have very long strong bristles on the end of the abdomen.
The other is a Notiphila, but I wouldn't like to say which species without examining the genitalia.

Posted by Dmitry Gavryushin on 16-07-2006 13:22
#6

OK thanks a lot Nikita and Tony