Thread subject: Diptera.info :: A Bulgarian horsefly (Tabanus) species
Posted by Alan Outen on 07-12-2011 22:42
#1
Back in August I posted images of some horsefly species photographed in Bulgaria and was very grateful for help in identifying these. At that time I did not post this one which I believe to be a
Tabanus species as I was not confident that it could be identified from images alone. However I have decided that in view of the expertise of people on this group if it can be done someone will do it! Here then is this species which was photographed from meadows above Dobrinishte on 4 August 2011. There may be more than one specimen here. I do have additional images and if anyone would like to see these at higher resolution I can send them to you direct.
If anyone can suggest an identification I would be extremely grateful.
Very many thanks
Alan
Posted by Alan Outen on 07-12-2011 22:43
#2
here is a second image....
Posted by Alan Outen on 07-12-2011 22:44
#3
here is a third image.....
Posted by Alan Outen on 07-12-2011 22:46
#4
and here is a fourth.........
Posted by Zeegers on 09-12-2011 17:29
#5
Hi Alan,
Next time, always take a frontal picture of the head.
There is no way to go here, it looks like Tabanus-exclusus group, but can be exclusus, obsolescens or something else.
Sorry to bring the bad news.
Theo
Posted by Alan Outen on 09-12-2011 23:36
#6
Dear Theo
Many thanks for this and for the very useful advice. However as I am sure that you can appreciate living flies do not always pose as one would wish nor are they necessarily in a position that enables images to be taken from a particular angle! However perhaps all is not yet lost as I do always try to retain a voucher specimen wherever possible, assuming the insect does not fly off whilst I am photographing it - something that they can also have an annoying habit of doing!
On this occasion I do have the specimen, though as I do not have the facilities for mounting a collection and very poor manual dexterity due to severe arthritis which would also inhibit this, I have to keep them in specimen tubes. Unfortunately with this specimen it seems to have gone a bit mouldy though the head is I think alright. I am therefore attaching a couple of frontal head views and hope that these might help.
Very many thanks again
Alan
Edited by Alan Outen on 10-12-2011 10:43
Posted by Alan Outen on 09-12-2011 23:37
#7
Here is a second facial view......
Posted by Zeegers on 10-12-2011 11:51
#8
Thanks, that is a big help
I will look in to it.
If you would like to share the specimen, give me a PM and I will mail my address
Theo
Posted by Zeegers on 10-12-2011 15:37
#9
I'm confused. there is only 1 Tabanus with linear central callus and 3 eye bands and that is tergestinus. This one seems much too dark for tergestinus.
If you want a proper ID, I would need the specimen.
Theo