Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Big Green-eyed Tabanid: Philipomyia aprica?
Posted by nick upton on 02-08-2011 21:14
#1
Can anyone confirm my tentative ID of this BIG green-eyed horse fly as P. aprica, or are there other possibilities?
16.7.11 c 15mm c 1400m near Lake Bohinj, Slovenia feeding on Hogweed flowers.
I'm guessing this is a purely nectar feeding species? Never got bitten by them. Just as well...
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 02-08-2011 21:15
#2
i tend to agree.
Posted by nick upton on 02-08-2011 21:24
#3
Many thanks Jorge.
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 02-08-2011 21:28
#4
you also can see through the translucid wings the lateral reddish first tergites.
Edited by jorgemotalmeida on 02-08-2011 21:29
Posted by sd on 02-08-2011 21:29
#5
They do bite, but more interested in cattle and horses I think.
Steve
Posted by nick upton on 02-08-2011 21:32
#6
Thanks for the extra info Jorge and the dietary info from sd. I'm glad I wasn't on the menu!
Posted by Zeegers on 03-08-2011 09:03
#7
Not sure if Jorge was very sure, but I am:
you are correct
Theo
Posted by nick upton on 03-08-2011 09:24
#8
Many thanks Theo. It's always good to get your confirmation on IDS.
Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 03-08-2011 14:26
#9
well, I was sure too. :) I saw one for the first time in June! I only managed to see one grateful to my car when I ignited the motor.
Posted by sd on 03-08-2011 18:42
#10
Cars are tabanid magnets, as is my lawnmower at the moment, Chrysops buzzing around my head and Haematopota around my arms so I have to go fast or just let the grass grow:)
Steve
Posted by nick upton on 03-08-2011 22:06
#11
Yes, they do love cars.... as this recent post of mine mentioned http://www.diptera.info/forum/viewthread.php?thread_id=39110 when I posted this image of Tabanus promesogaeus on a hot car roof in Greece.