Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Anthomyiidae USA 2010-IV-8 (= Leucophora)

Posted by John Carr on 02-08-2011 14:50
#1
April 8, 2010. Massachusetts, USA. Is this Egle, flying early to feed on early spring willows?

farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4530707129_0946ea9c9f.jpg
(Click for large size or view on Flickr.)

farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4530707117_8cf5851b79_o.jpg

farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4530707105_c5e8d20655.jpg
(Click to enlarge or view on Flickr)

A different individual seen nearby:
farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4530747955_cda1cc8d9d_o.jpg
Edited by John Carr on 02-08-2011 15:25

Posted by Michael Ackland on 02-08-2011 15:19
#2
It is a female Leucophora species, which would be looking for bee nests (Andrena spp probably). Not possible to name it from a photo I am afraid. Recently revised for Nearctic species by Graham Griffiths. Species of Leucophora are inquilines in Bee nests where the larvae feed on food collected for bee larvae. Note the eyes in the female are rather close together for an Antho, because the female needs to see better in the bee burrow.

Posted by John Carr on 02-08-2011 15:25
#3
Thank you. There are at least two early spring Andrena species in the area.