Posted by Stephen on 13-11-2006 23:00
#1
The biggest, plumpest fly feeding at the Sugar Maple sap.
Either Calliphoridae or Muscidae, right?
If this much is correct, then how to separate the two? The fly has plumose arista, which could be either, right? The coloration is gray-black like most Muscids but there was just a tiny hint of green on the abdomen so maybe Calliphoridae after all?
I guess the real bad news is that I didn't get a lateral view :(.
Any ID help would be appreciated.
Woodlands, West Virginia USA, 11 November 2006. Length 14.5 mm from the front of the eyes to the rear of the abdomen.
Edited by Stephen on 13-11-2006 23:02
Posted by Tony Irwin on 13-11-2006 23:49
#3
Hi Stephen
The acute bend on vein M suggests Calliphoridae - at least I don't think any muscids have such a sharp bend. I wouldn't like to say which genus, though!
Posted by Xespok on 14-11-2006 14:11
#4
Would not be surprised if it is Calliphora. Calliphora has a sharp bend in vein M in comparison to most Calliphorid genera, and also the large size and the blueish color hints to that genus.
Posted by Robert Nash on 14-11-2006 14:22
#5
Calliphoridae Try Richard MERRITT Michigan State University
Department of entomology E LANSING, MI, 48824
Email :merrittr@msu.edu
Cheers Robert
Posted by Stephen on 15-11-2006 10:56
#6
Thanks, Robert, I will ask Professor Merritt if he can have a look.
Edited by Stephen on 15-11-2006 13:11