Diptera.info

Posted by Stephen on 12-11-2006 14:20

Is this fly in Muscidae? It is hard to get a good look at the arista, but they seem to be lightly haired?not dramatically plumose, but not bare, either.

This is another fly that was feeding at the Sugar Maple sap. Length was 8.0 mm from the front of the eyes to the rear of the abdomen.

Woodlands, West Virginia USA.

While I was lying very still photographing this fly, I heard a loud rustling in the leaves and a buck (antlered white-tailed deer) came up behind me. He was very close and I snapped a few photos, but my camera was really set up for flash pictures of flies, and so the deer pictures aren't great. Still, it was fun to see him. We see a lot more does than bucks.

Edited by Stephen on 13-11-2006 11:21

Posted by Stephen on 12-11-2006 14:22

Here is a second view, showing the "face."

Posted by Stephen on 12-11-2006 14:26

Just for fun (hope this isn't too off-subject!) here is the buck that showed up while I was lying still and quiet photographing the fly.

Posted by pierred on 12-11-2006 16:21

Stephen,

This is a -diptera- forum, my deer !!

Posted by Stephen on 12-11-2006 16:39

I somehow failed to post the wing photo. Here it is.

Edited by Stephen on 13-11-2006 11:22

Posted by Stephen on 13-11-2006 11:24

Does anyone have any thoughts on this one? I didn't get much response on Sunday, possibly because I forgot to include the wing photo when I first posted it.

Posted by Andre Jas on 13-11-2006 12:19

Hi Stephen,

Maybe Helina sp (Muscidae)? Wait for the experts.
Cheers.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 13-11-2006 18:17

As far as I can tell, the anal vein goes all the way to the wing margin, so I'd say Anthomyiidae

Posted by Stephen on 13-11-2006 21:43

Thanks, Tony. Anthomyiidae keeps sneaking up on me. It must be a larger family than I thought! I need to add this to my notes about the anal vein reaching the wing margin.