Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Empididae?

Posted by Stephen on 20-08-2006 17:58
#1

Is this a Dance Fly, Empididae? Is it possible to take the ID any further?

The fly was on a yellow Squash plant, 19 August 2006. West Virginia, USA, length 5.0 mm.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Posted by Stephen on 20-08-2006 18:00
#2

Dorsal view

Edited by Stephen on 20-08-2006 18:02

Posted by Jan Willem on 20-08-2006 18:07
#3

Hi Stephen,

Looks more like Sciaridae to me!

Jan Willem

Posted by Tony Irwin on 20-08-2006 18:09
#4

It's a lesser fungus gnat - Sciaridae. The venation and darkened wings suggest that it is a Sciara species, but the females are very difficult to take to species - these days the males are usually identified using genitalia characters.

Posted by Stephen on 21-08-2006 01:39
#5

Jan, Tony, It seems you were both typing at the same time! And the good news is you both have the same answer. A new family for me.

So many fly families! It was much easier to get a handle on Coleoptera and Odonata families.

Thanks so much for your guidance.

Edited by Stephen on 21-08-2006 01:40