Posted by Cor Zonneveld on 31-07-2007 23:04
#1
Here's a Asilid that caught a Sarcophagid. Notice the larvae that appear from the victim. Apparently, either the muscles controling the birth are relaxed, or the predation causes pressure inside the fly that forces the larvae out. The latter seems unlikely since the robberfly sucks the prey dry - but note also the extended proboscis.
Which robberfly can this be? Switzerland, Mavaglia (Tessin) at ca 350 m altitude. It's inside the village, which is against a rather steep mountain side. In between the houses you find wine yards, vegetable gardens etc, as well as small patches of grass land.
Posted by Cor Zonneveld on 31-07-2007 23:05
#2
and a detail of the Sarcophagid larvae's premature birth...
Edited by Cor Zonneveld on 31-07-2007 23:07
Posted by Dysmachus on 22-09-2007 16:11
#3
Unfortunately, this is a female of a
Machimus species, seems to be the
M. cyanopus - group, for which we haven't any revison. So you need an additional male for identification. Yours