Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Surinamese Diptera 9 - Stratiomyidae, Pachygastrinae, Artemita nr hieroglyphica
Posted by Auke on 12-04-2016 03:24
#1
This is a pretty awesome one. It appears that the wing coloration and the very wide abdomen mimic the jaws and bulging eyes of some much larger animal. I also photographed a specimen which had a pseudoscorpion attached to each of its hind legs. That one really had me do a double take! Brownsberg, Brokopondo, Suriname.
Thanks again.
Edited by Auke on 16-04-2016 16:43
Posted by piros on 12-04-2016 06:10
#2
Stratiomyidae, I think.
Greetings,
Henrik
Posted by Auke on 13-04-2016 00:47
#3
Could soomeone please confirm this ID, and inform me whether my mimicry theory has been confirmed somewhere?
Posted by John Carr on 13-04-2016 01:13
#4
Stratiomyidae,
Artemita hieroglyphica species group.
Posted by Auke on 13-04-2016 16:21
#5
And thanks again!
Is there any info regarding their possible mimicry of larger animals?
Posted by John Carr on 14-04-2016 02:22
#6
I know next to nothing about this genus. Your speculation about mimicry is plausible. Many Tephritidae with wing bands mimic spiders.