Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Chironomidae?
Posted by Noisette on 16-03-2016 18:35
#1
Hello, I'm not even sure of the familly but can anyone help to ID this fly found on our local salt marshes in SW France (Gironde estuary) on the 13/03/2016.
Posted by Tony Irwin on 17-03-2016 01:07
#2
Yes, Chironominae.
Posted by John Carr on 17-03-2016 01:51
#3
Probably
Glyptotendipes or
Chironomus.
Posted by Noisette on 17-03-2016 10:30
#4
Thanks very much for your replies Tony & John. :)
Are these tiny insects only identifiable for certain by dissection or are there charcteristics not shown by my photo?
Posted by John Carr on 17-03-2016 12:35
#5
ID to species normally requires dissection. A few species are distinctive. Dorsal closeups of male genitalia can often determine genus group. The two genera I mentioned have similar genitalia, but
Chironomus has pronotum projecting in the middle and
Glyptotendipes has a broad, deep notch. A lateral shot of front of thorax can distinguish them.
Posted by Noisette on 17-03-2016 16:20
#6
OK I'll give it go, there seem to be a lot around at the moment. Thanks very much for your help John.