Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Pipunculidae?

Posted by Stephen on 27-05-2007 20:10
#1

When I first saw this fly I thought it was a Syrphid, but I can't see any spurious vein in the wing. With those huge eyes that make the head a sphere, Pipunculidae?

Any further thoughts on ID appreciated.

Near the shore of the mighty Ohio River, West Virginia USA, 25 May 2007. I didn't record the size, but my notes say "This fly was small but not tiny."

Posted by Stephen on 27-05-2007 20:12
#2

I wasn't able to photograph this fly from several different angles, but here is one somewhat different angle of view.

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 27-05-2007 20:21
#3

yes! Pipunculid fly. :)

Posted by Kahis on 27-05-2007 22:49
#4

Nephrocerus (Pipunculidae)

Posted by Stephen on 28-05-2007 10:32
#5

My second Pipunculid! Thank-you, Jorge, Kahis!

Posted by David Gibbs on 28-05-2007 10:40
#6

6 species of Nephrocerus in Nearctic, Skevington 2005 provides key but you will need specimen.

Posted by Stephen on 28-05-2007 10:55
#7

Thanks, David. I see our friend Chen Young has done some research with Nephrocerus spp., specifically their being endoparasitoids of Tipula spp. crane flies. Details and photos here:

http://iz.carnegi...uction.htm