Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Stratiomyidae: Sargus iridatus?

Posted by nick upton on 12-06-2011 18:38
#1

Can anyone confirm my ID for this very pretty soldierfly and is it a male or a female?. Legs seem too dark for other Sargus spp.

The fly was running around and butting its head repeatedly on a rose leaf. I'm not sure if this was a courtship display or if it was dabbing up sugar secretions from aphids which may have been on the leaves.

11.5.11 c 11mm Wiltshire garden, UK.