Posted by John Sankey on 12-06-2012 16:45
#1
A syrphid that buzzes like a bee, bobs its rear up and down like a bee, fiercely defends a square meter of territory against rivals. But, what are those winglets doing on a Diptera?
Edited by John Sankey on 15-10-2012 21:41
Posted by Paul Beuk on 12-06-2012 16:48
#2
They are the allulae, usually well developed in higher Diptera, in this case a
Merodon equestris, by the looks of it.
Posted by John Sankey on 12-06-2012 17:44
#3
Many thanks, Paul - that ID matches its behaviour perfectly. I've seen allulae feathers on birds, but not on Diptera before. More things to discover every day...