Thread subject: Diptera.info :: What is happening here?
Posted by vida on 14-02-2010 17:50
#1
I am puzzled by this behavior. Did this fly catch the insect or did it maybe pick up an already dead insect? I thought only Robber flies catch live prey? Can someone perhaps explain what is happening here? Do you also perhaps know what fly (small in size) this is and what the other insect is? Any help will be appreciated.:)
Posted by vida on 14-02-2010 17:51
#2
Another angle.
Posted by paqui on 14-02-2010 18:12
#3
it seems Coenosiinae (Muscidae)and the prey Sciaridae; also Empididae aer predators, nice pics :)
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 14-02-2010 18:12
#4
Coenosia sp. preying a sciarid... Coenosiinae, in general, are predators.
Edited by jorgemotalmeida on 14-02-2010 18:13
Posted by Stephane Lebrun on 14-02-2010 18:13
#5
This fly is
Coenosia strigipes (Muscidae). Conosia are predator flies, catching other littles flying insects. See this
article. There are also others familes of predator flies like Empididae, Hybotidae, Scathophagidae...
Posted by vida on 14-02-2010 18:29
#6
Thank you Paqui, Jorge and Stephane. This is very intersting information. First time I've seen this.:) Jorge, I'm still looking for Mythicos. Seems we will have to wait untill later in the year.:)
Posted by vida on 14-02-2010 18:36
#7
Stephane, thank you for the link to the great article. I love the fact that the flies will climb on a hand and then return with prey.:)
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 14-02-2010 18:41
#8
Thanks, Vida. Pay attention to them. They appear in hot and dry climates near Asteraceae/Euphorbiaceae flowers (dunes are a good point to find them, and any place rich in flowers and protected from the wind). Don't forget the nemestrinids as well.
Edited by jorgemotalmeida on 14-02-2010 18:42