Diptera.info

Posted by athoskat on 06-04-2007 02:30

I have finally been able to post an image to share.
I started hunting & stalking Diptera last year and it has proven to be challenging and rewarding. I hope to share many images.

Edited by athoskat on 06-04-2007 02:37

Posted by athoskat on 06-04-2007 02:40

This specimen seems to have a growth or parasite on its eye?

Edited by athoskat on 06-04-2007 02:54

Posted by Xespok on 06-04-2007 08:46

athoskat wrote:
This specimen seems to have a growth or parasite on its eye?

Or is it cleaning its left eye with its left leg?

Posted by athoskat on 07-04-2007 01:33

Here is another view showing the growth or parasite?

Edited by athoskat on 07-04-2007 02:06

Posted by athoskat on 07-04-2007 07:12

Another set of images showing what appears to be parasites?

Edited by athoskat on 07-04-2007 07:16

Posted by crex on 07-04-2007 07:36

I wonder if the green ones are Lucilia sp (Calliphoridae), if those are residing in California!? The last one, another species it seems, where you mention parazite your arrow points toward the mouth parts (head turned around).

Posted by athoskat on 07-04-2007 09:01

Crex actually the fly has pulled its right eye forward to expose the insides. I will prep an enlagement and post it later this weekend.
Athoskat

As promised here is an enlarged view of the parasite in the eye.

Edited by athoskat on 07-04-2007 11:42

Posted by Paul Beuk on 07-04-2007 19:23

#10

Crex is right. Where you now point the 'Parasite' arrow are actually the mouthparts. They fly is cleaning its head and the head is turned upside -down.

Posted by athoskat on 08-04-2007 00:50

#11

Paul, Crex I will have to take your word for it. I observed the subject position its leg on top of its eye and pull forward and down and it exposed what I captured. And the object labeled "parasite' moved a bit? Oh well I will just have to look some more for the same action and get a better record.
Regards
Athoskat:)

Posted by Susan R Walter on 08-04-2007 11:54

#12

Carole

I think Crex is right that your green flies are Lucilia sp. I would guess maybe L sericata, which I think is pretty much world wide, and is certainly very at home in urban environments. Your specimen has 3 post sutural acrostical bristles, which is right for L sericata, but Lucilia are very difficult to separate.