Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Hairy legged asilid from Tanzania
Posted by pbertner on 11-11-2014 15:54
#1
From the Udzungwa mountains, Tanzania.
Thanks for any help,
Paul
Posted by jaho on 11-11-2014 18:11
#2
Wow! I have no idea about the id, but makes an impression! |t
Posted by Eric Fisher on 11-11-2014 19:33
#3
A fabulous asilid Paul! It is a male
Pegesimallus sp. This is a very large genus, mainly African -- in which the males of some spp. have extremely flashy leg ornamentation.
Pegesimallus is in the Megapodinae, and is the only Old World member of this otherwise Neotropical group. Possibly Jason Londt (S. Africa) could recognize this particular species to sight, otherwise the specimen would need to be indentified by close examination of the specimen.
Cheers,
Eric
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 11-11-2014 21:36
#4
WOW! Magnificent, Paul!!
Posted by benoit gilles on 11-11-2014 23:11
#5
Splendid !! Thank you to Mother Nature for offer us such a show!
Benoît
Posted by sd on 11-11-2014 23:37
#6
I was fortunate to see
Pegesimallus males performing their display flight last year in Zambia. They floated up and down vertically with the leg scales flashing silver in dappled sunlight, 1-3 m above the ground.
Regards,
Steve
Posted by pbertner on 12-11-2014 08:45
#7
Thanks Eric, the ID and info is much appreciated. I didn't get to see any displays unfortunately but when it flew off, rather laboriously for a robberfly, seemingly dragging its hindlegs behind it I can imagine it would be quite a display.
Posted by Piluca_Alvarez on 12-11-2014 15:32
#8
Just the fly is a proper display! ;) What a beauty!!! :) I am absolutely in love!! :D :D :D Thanks for posting, Paul! :)
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 14-11-2014 14:02
#9
Paul, submit these photos to the gallery , please. Thanks. :)