Diptera.info :: Identification queries :: Diptera (adults)
 Fly and botanical ID (USA)
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| syncrasy |
Posted on 23-06-2010 22:04
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Member Location: Chicago Posts: 38 Joined: 23.06.10 |
What type of fly is this and what are the yellow objects stuck to its claws? Observed in a small prairie in northern Illinois (USA). Click to enlarge:  |
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| Tony Irwin |
Posted on 24-06-2010 12:56
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 Member Location: Norwich, England Posts: 7344 Joined: 19.11.04 |
The fly is a Pollenia female (Calliphoridae) and the yellow things on its feet look like pollenia! (or they might be very sticky seeds? - but no idea what from)
Tony ---------- Tony Irwin |
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| pwalter |
Posted on 24-06-2010 14:03
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 Member Location: Miskolc, Hungary Posts: 3555 Joined: 06.11.08 |
An orchid pollinarium?
Walter Pfliegler - Amateur Nature Photographer from Hungary (and molecular biologist) |
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| syncrasy |
Posted on 24-06-2010 14:48
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Member Location: Chicago Posts: 38 Joined: 23.06.10 |
Ahh... pollinia! I had never heard of that term before. I did some more research and believe these yellow objects are Milkweed pollinia, or more precisely, Milkweed pollinaria. (Milkweed is prevalent in northern USA prairies.) According to the Milkweed Flowers Web site, the "whole upside-down-V-shaped structure with its pollinarium gland and two pollinia is called a pollinarium." Thank you! |
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| syncrasy |
Posted on 24-06-2010 14:51
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Member Location: Chicago Posts: 38 Joined: 23.06.10 |
Regarding the fly. . . Calliphoridae or Sarcophagidae? My field guide says that Calliphoridae have only 2 or 3 bristles on top of the thorax, while Sarcophagidae have 4 bristles. I believe my fly has 4 bristles. |
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| Tony Irwin |
Posted on 25-06-2010 08:44
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Member Location: Norwich, England Posts: 7344 Joined: 19.11.04 |
Treat your field guide with caution! - many Calliphoridae have 4 or 5 pairs of dorsocentral bristles.
Tony ---------- Tony Irwin |
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