Posted by Stephen on 20-09-2006 11:21
#1
Very unusual Robber Fly. I do have the family right, don't I? The abdomen reminds me of Tabanidae and other parts remind me of Rhagionidae. I couldn't find any Asilidae pictures that looked right, but surely it is Asilidae.
So, ID help would be appreciated!
The fly rested on a towel that was hanging on a chair outside. Our cat Dave was in the chair, and finally Dave reached up and gave the towel a pull, for no apparent reason, and off the fly went. At least I was able to photograph the fly from several angles first.
Open area near woodlands, 10 September 2006, West Virginia USA.
Posted by Eric Fisher on 20-09-2006 15:40
#4
Hi Stephen,
This is Heteropogon macerinus (a male - as it has the 'signal hair patch' on the midtibia). This genus is small in the e. US, much bigger in the w. US & Europe.
Eric.
Posted by Stephen on 20-09-2006 18:20
#5
Thanks very much, Eric! I went through all 43 pages of Asilid photos on BugGuide this morning. There are four Heteropogon photos there but I suppose I passed them by because three had banded abdomens and the other had a brown color scheme. Once again I am misled by color and markings, I should pay more attention to structure, but that takes a more educated eye! Thanks again for your help.
Edited by Stephen on 21-09-2006 00:27