Thread subject: Diptera.info :: unknown Muscidae developing in Hymenoptera nest?

Posted by Norbert on 03-06-2009 06:58
#1

Dear all;

Enclosed fly is waiting since days in front of my Bombus pratorum nest to enter. Entry is not possible as the nest is protected with a mechanical door.
Can someone say anything about ID? Is this a parasite or just a Kommensale..

Size ~5-7mm; found last week in Upper Austria ~300moS

Thanks for help;

Norbert.

Edited by Norbert on 05-06-2009 07:32

Posted by Norbert on 03-06-2009 06:59
#2

2nd pic..

Posted by Norbert on 05-06-2009 07:30
#3

No one who can support?

Checking the gallery I would say a Muscidae; maybe Phaonia; or Thricops?

The fact that larvas obviously live in Hymenoptera nest should also help.

Thanks for any hint;

Norbert.

Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 05-06-2009 08:50
#4

It is female of Fannia lustrator, Fanniidae.
F.lustrator larvae reported either from rotting plant material and from nests of social Hymenoptera (Vespa crabro & Vespula sp.). Nice observation! Keep observe, F.lustrator regards as commensal, not parasite, but nobody is sure as, I suppose, you are the first person who observes the process itself.

Posted by Norbert on 05-06-2009 09:23
#5

many thanks for this info. I have a nest of Bombus hortorum which I am observing under lab conditions. If the fly is still there this afternoon I will put it into the nest and see what it does..

best regards;

Norbert.