Posted by Juergen Peters on 29-07-2006 23:20
#1
Hello!
I found these robber flies today here in Ostwestfalen/Germany at a forest edge. The couple should be
Choerades. Is it possible to determine the species?
#2 was about 12 mm long, #3 somewhat bigger. I have no real idea about these. Any hints appreciated. Thanks!
Larger pictures (~ 250 KB each):
http://insektenin...s_sp_3.jpg
http://insektenin...s_sp_4.jpg
#2:
#3:
Posted by Tony Irwin on 03-08-2006 17:08
#2
Hi Juergen
The couple are a happy pair of
Choerades femorata, easily confused with
marginata, but distinguished with a long first antennal segment (more than 3 times as long as the second).
I think numbers 2 and 3 are both
Machimus, and I would suggest
atricapillus.
Number 3 is displayng the typical asymmetric pose which this species adopts in sunlight, positioning one side of the body to obtain maximum heat (for efficient flight) while reducing the visible shadow, so making it less visible to avain predators.
Edited by Tony Irwin on 03-08-2006 17:09