The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)
Affiliated to the British Entomological and Natural History Society (BENHS)
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#1 2010-07-12 16:14:30
- Alan Outen
- DF Members
- Name: Alan Outen
- Registered: 2010-06-24
- Posts: 357
Two tiny flies for identification if possible
The first, of these was from our garden in Clifton, Beds, was about 6-7mm and photographed 30 June 2010. John O'Sullivan has suggested it is perhaps the soldierfly Oxycera nigricornis.
The second, also from our garden, was common around the compost heap , on 24 June 2010 and was about 5mm long.
Many thanks
Alan Outen
Last edited by Alan Outen (2010-07-12 16:20:43)
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#2 2010-07-13 21:06:56
- Judy Webb
- Committee
- Name: Judith Webb
- Registered: 2008-02-21
- Posts: 375
Re: Two tiny flies for identification if possible
The first does indeed look like Oxycera nigricornis, but it would be useful to see the patterning on the abdomen to be sure. The second looks to me like a member of the Drosophilidae, but let's see what more expert folk think.
Good to see you posting images, Alan. Most Diperists are out collecting industriously when the weather is so good and flies are on the wing, posting of unknowns may well happen when we all have more time later on in the year. I certainly have plenty myself!
Judy
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#3 2010-07-13 22:35:19
Re: Two tiny flies for identification if possible
The drosophilid is Drosophila immigrans. There a small dark spots at the tips of the longitudinal veins.
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#4 2010-07-15 15:21:57
- Alan Outen
- DF Members
- Name: Alan Outen
- Registered: 2010-06-24
- Posts: 357
Re: Two tiny flies for identification if possible
Thank you Paul and Judy. I had thought the one from the compost heap was probably a Drosophila sp.
I have now uploaded the only image I got of the possible Oxycera nigricornis with the wings open. This is far from good but hopefully does at least show the abdominal markings sufficiently.
Thank you again
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