Posted by Calilasseia on 22-09-2011 20:32
#1
I've attached this photo of a fly that I encountered during my entomological recording (I'm a member of the Lancashire & Cheshire Entomological Society), and since Diptera are not my speciality, I've been looking around for a possible ID for this specimen (see photo below).
EDIT: for some reason, the board software won't attach my photo, even though it's within the file size limits (it's 67K). Please advise on this.
EDIT 2: Ah, the board software doesn't like spaces in filenames. It might be a good idea if the moderators let everyone know this for the future!
Data as follows:
Location: UK, OS Grid Reference SJ496853
Date: 17/09/2011 11:23 BST
Specimen size: approx 6 mm
Habitat: scrub adjacent to several Oak trees and some juvenile specimens of Rowan, understory consisting of Brambles and Nettles, with a large open patch of regularly mown grassland (local authority playing field) nearby. Approx. 100 metres from the location is a small brook. Google Maps photo available on request.
I sent the photo to Liverpool Museum, and the resident Dipterist informed me that the fly in question was a member of the Sepsidae, and that it bore some resemblance to
Nemopoda nitidula. Would others here like to comment on this?
I'm aware that quite a few Diptera require detailed anatomical analysis for definitive identification, including genital dissection and detailed examination of wing venation, so I'll be perfectly happy if it's merely identified to Genus level.
Specimen was observed moving in a somewhat agitated manner atop a Bramble leaf (probably due to my repeated attempts to get a good close up shot!), and at intervals, paused briefly to flex its wings, which when flexed, were held at a 35° sweep. Sometimes the specimen vibrated its wings before holding them still, then after a couple of seconds of holding it wings erect, it would then fold them back as seen above, and continue moving about the leaf. To my surprise, it didn't attempt to fly away from me even though I was poking a digital camera at it, sometimes as close as 10 cm from the specimen.
I hope the above information is useful.
Edited by Calilasseia on 22-09-2011 21:59