Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Empididae with interesting legs
Posted by JariF on 06-07-2008 19:37
#1
Hi, this is a bad picture of this fly in terrible condition. It was in the bottom of my malaise under all those wasps and grashoppers etc. But look at those legs ! It must be some Hybotidae female. What is she doing with legs like that ? Is she just trying to look pretty in males eyes :)
Jari
Edited by JariF on 07-07-2008 07:44
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 06-07-2008 19:41
#2
WOW! What legs!!! :D
Posted by ChrisR on 06-07-2008 19:51
#3
I think some empids have "feathered" legs :)
Posted by JariF on 06-07-2008 20:17
#4
Yes, may be Empidae as well, I don't know this one. I'm still wondering why did mother nature give legs like this to someone ? They don't look strong enough to help with holding something. Maybe they are just for fun :p
Jari
Posted by socrates on 07-07-2008 05:40
#5
what's the habitat? talking about hairy legs...hehehe:)
Posted by Paul Beuk on 07-07-2008 07:35
#6
Empididae. With the relatively short proboscis I'd say a
Rhamphomyia but I'd like to see the wing venation near the wing tip.
Posted by JariF on 07-07-2008 07:44
#7
Thank's Paul. I'm affraid the wings are in so bad condition, that they are not worth to take a picture :( I must find a new one to take good photos. Without those legs I would have thrown this away.
Jari
Posted by Adrian on 07-07-2008 09:32
#8
Must be Rhamphomyia or Empis.
The pennate scales are used in display. In most insects that have epigamic displays it is the males which display and the females select a mate if they like the display. However in the subfamily Empidinae, in some 50% of all species it is the females which display and the males select the mate. In these cases the females have pennate leg scales, pigmented wings etc. Many Rhamphomyis females adopt specific mating display postures in which the leg scales are demonstrated.
Hope this helps
cheers
Adrian
Posted by JariF on 07-07-2008 12:08
#9
Interesting ! Thank You so much :)
Jari