Diptera.info :: Identification queries :: Other insects, spiders, etc.
 Staphylinidae - Ontholestes sp?
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| tim worfolk |
Posted on 13-05-2009 14:44
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 Member Location: Devon, England Posts: 737 Joined: 05.05.09 |
First I'd like to apologise for the setting/background (don't ask). I'm fairly sure this is an Ontholestes sp. but I don't know which. I believe there are only 2 species in Britain; O.murinus and O.tessellatus. Is it possible to say which, please? BTW I was actually trying to photograph flies when this appeared. many thanks Tim tim worfolk attached the following image:  [141.08Kb] |
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| John Bratton |
Posted on 14-05-2009 15:41
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Member Location: Menai Bridge, North Wales, UK Posts: 654 Joined: 17.10.06 |
I think yours is murinus, based on the colour of the antennae. |
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| tim worfolk |
Posted on 14-05-2009 16:07
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Member Location: Devon, England Posts: 737 Joined: 05.05.09 |
Thanks John, is that the best way to separate the two species? Tim |
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| John Bratton |
Posted on 18-05-2009 12:20
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Member Location: Menai Bridge, North Wales, UK Posts: 654 Joined: 17.10.06 |
Its not the best way, it was the only one I could remember at the time. O. tessellatus: palpi and legs red except part of the femora black. Antennae red at the base, black in the distal half, about 50/50. O. murinus: palpi and legs black except part of the tarsi red. Antennae mostly red, just the tip black. There are also differences in colour of the coxae but I can't remember which way round; and in shape of the pronotum but you need specimens of both to appreciate it. John Bratton |
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| tim worfolk |
Posted on 18-05-2009 19:43
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Member Location: Devon, England Posts: 737 Joined: 05.05.09 |
Thanks again John, it's great to be able to put a definite name to it. Now I need to try to get some better photographs. Tim |
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