Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Empididae Empis sp?
Posted by nick upton on 05-05-2010 09:42
#1
Can anyone help identify this fly,c 12mm Empis sp?
Wiltshire southwest UK 4.5.10
Edited by nick upton on 05-05-2010 11:21
Posted by nick upton on 05-05-2010 09:43
#2
And a top view
Posted by Sundew on 05-05-2010 11:09
#3
The short proboscis makes me think of
Rhamphomyia instead. If the fork in the posterior radial vein (R4+5) is absent (and I think so, but lack the keen eyes of an expert), your fly must belong to this genus. Wait for Paul, he'll know much more!
Regards, Sundew
Edited by Sundew on 05-05-2010 11:09
Posted by nick upton on 05-05-2010 11:27
#4
OK, many thanks. Since I posted this I came across some Rhamphomyia pics and thought that might be the genus rather than Empis, but like you say, some really expert eyes may help and I attach one more image that might help with wing vein scrutiny!
Posted by Paul Beuk on 05-05-2010 19:58
#5
Male of
Rhamphomyia sulcata group
Posted by nick upton on 06-05-2010 09:59
#6
OK, many thanks. Should I take it by your use of the term "group" that the taxonomy of R. sulcata is in doubt ie that there may be more than one true species among flies attributed to S. sulcata? Or do you mean this could also be R. sulcatella or R.sulcatina and the species cannot be separated by photographable characters?
Edited by nick upton on 06-05-2010 10:00
Posted by Paul Beuk on 07-02-2012 11:58
#7
The group has four species in the UK that are not easily separated. The males require a caudal view of the genitalia (to recognise
R. sulcata), the mesonotum (bi-serial acrostichal setae in
R. trilineata [=
R. sulcatina], often also visble because of the narrower median stripe) and characters of the legs. Females are slightly easier (!) because
cinerascens (in my view synonymous with
subcinerascens) has a darkened anal area of the wing,
sulcatella has somewhat pennate legs, and
trilineata has the bi-serial acrostichal setae (see above).
Edited by Paul Beuk on 07-02-2012 12:03