Posted by Stephen on 24-09-2006 12:20
#1
This fly struck me as unusual in a number of ways; including the tapering abdomen, the rabbit-ear antennae, and the long thorax with its pebble black surface. No idea of the family, can someone help?
This fly was grooming and so holding its wings open many not be the usual posture.
Length, 4.4 mm. On squash plant. Grass and grass clippings nearby. Not far from woodland. West Virginia USA. Photographed on 22 September 2006.
Posted by Stephen on 09-11-2006 11:55
#4
Nikita, Thanks for putting me on to the right family.
The Nearctic expert on Chloropida was kind enough to have a look at the photo and comment:
"The fly is in the genus Cetema, and is most likely Cetema subvittata (two other similar species are very rarely collected and can only be distinguished by characters not visible in this view." --Terry Wheeler.