Posted by LordV on 21-09-2010 07:35
#1
Took this shot yesterday of a largish fly and noticed when I was doing the processing it seemed to have something odd attached to it's thorax above the front leg. Is this a parasite of some type ?
Brian v.
Posted by Stephane Lebrun on 21-09-2010 08:18
#2
The odd thing is its anterior spiracle (a respiratory organ), and the fly is very probably Phaonia valida (just guessing from the reddish hair on occiput + overall appearance).
Posted by LordV on 22-09-2010 07:39
#3
Thanks for the info and ID Stephane. Not noticed this type of structure on other flies before ?
Brian v.
Posted by ChrisR on 22-09-2010 09:31
#4
The spiracles are usually much less well defined in comparison with the surrounding pleura but I have seen things like this on other species. The whole thing would have been obvious if you had a photo taken of the other side - and I think if we could see it the posterior spiracle would look similar too.
Each spiracle is usually made from 2 slightly fluffy flaps that help to keep dust and dirt out of the fly's breathing tubes :)
Edited by ChrisR on 22-09-2010 09:32