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Diptera.info :: Identification queries :: Diptera (adults)
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Swarm in Flight photo. Family?
Stephen
#1 Print Post
Posted on 10-06-2007 12:51
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Location: West Virginia USA
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Obviously this isn't a great photo, but it is the best I could do under the circumstances. This swarm of very small flies had maybe 50 individuals in it, flying around in a big circle.

Despite the lack of detail and sharpness, can anyone name the family?

I wish I could have found one perched on a leaf, but I couldn't.

Location: Near the Ohio River, West Virginia, USA. Date: 3 June 2007. Size of each fly: very small.
Stephen attached the following image:


[77.59Kb]
--Stephen

Stephen Cresswell
www.americaninsects.net
 
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Tony Irwin
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Posted on 10-06-2007 15:50
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I'd suggest Chironomidae - interesting to see how the front legs are held up and over the antennae!
Tony
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Stephen
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Posted on 10-06-2007 15:55
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Yes, I meant to ask what the white areas in front of the eyes were! You're right, that is interesting. They were flying so fast, perhaps, the wind speed helped hold their legs in that position! I thought the very large eyes were interesting too.
--Stephen

Stephen Cresswell
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Tony Irwin
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Posted on 10-06-2007 20:46
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The eyes are not very big - I think you're confusing the plumose antennae with the eyes. Wink Have a look at Andre's first picture -
http://www.dipter...post_30237
It will help to interpret the images you took.
Tony
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Stephen
#5 Print Post
Posted on 11-06-2007 00:29
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Location: West Virginia USA
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Wow! I wouldn't have thought those big areas could be antennae, but after looking at Andre's profile image, I am convinced. Thanks, Tony!
--Stephen

Stephen Cresswell
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John Carr
#6 Print Post
Posted on 20-04-2017 01:03
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If they are Chironomidae, they are probably Ablabesmyia considering the banded legs.

I saw Ablebesmyia cf. peleensis swarming around a tree.
 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31715949@N00
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Does someone has a scan of Nartshuk E.P. 2003. Key to families of Diptera (Insecta) of the fauna of Russian and adjacent countries. Proceedings of the Zoological Institute Vol. 294: 1-252 for me?

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