Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Fly on orchid > Thecophora cf atra (Conopidae)
Posted by Susan R Walter on 30-05-2011 15:25
#1
Can anyone offer an opinion as to what this fly might be? It was photographed on 21 May 2011 on Short-spurred Fragrant Orchid Gymnadenia odoratissima growing on a limestone spur in central lowland France. My thoughts are Scathophagidae, Anthomyidae or Muscidae. The ground around the orchid colony was full of dozens of tiny solitary bees and at first I thought the fly was one of them. They were about the same size (3-4mm).
Edited by Susan R Walter on 30-05-2011 21:08
Posted by Susan R Walter on 30-05-2011 15:27
#2
Another view - it might help. Sorry the photos are so poor - the best I could do with a small fly and my camera.
Posted by ChrisR on 30-05-2011 15:37
#3
Thecophora (
atra?) ... a conopid - I have been seeing them recently too :)
Posted by Susan R Walter on 30-05-2011 20:49
#4
Aaah! That makes a bit more sense. I didn't realise conopids came in such teeny weeny sizes. A conopid would have some chance of getting at the nectar - they may be Short-spurred, but an insect still needs a fairly long tongue to access it. I wonder if they are known pollinators of this species of orchid?
Posted by ChrisR on 30-05-2011 20:54
#5
Hmm, I doubt it - Fragrant orchids are not common and pollinators are usually difficult to pin down ... and they are usually far less specific than people think too.