Diptera.info

Posted by johnes81 on 05-10-2017 17:40

Berlin - September - 5 mm

very pretty fly but I cannot find a match. The fly looks dark/black but lighting shows a gray/grey dusting on the thorax and humeral callus. The abdomen looks dark but lighting shows a pale brown color and a spot. very strange.

Thank You for your Time and Effort.

Edited by johnes81 on 05-10-2017 18:01

Posted by Stephane Lebrun on 05-10-2017 17:55

The Sc vein is straight and diverging from R1 close to their bases --> Fanniidae.
Then, with these yallow tibias, Fannia pallitibia most likely (a commun autumn Fannia species).

Posted by johnes81 on 05-10-2017 18:01

That was a fast response. I didn't think anyone would respond until tomorrow. Maybe when you have time, you will glance at my Helina and Coenosia posts.

I wouldn't have guessed Fannia. I only have experience with Fannia canicularis. I am upset with myself for not identifying a family here. I haven't dissected it yet. Fortunately, a nice man sent me a copy of his pdf keys for Fanniidae. I will start with Fannia pallitibia.

Thank You very much Stephane! You are Wonderful! :)

Edited by johnes81 on 05-10-2017 18:49

Posted by johnes81 on 05-10-2017 18:53

I see your photos of Fannia pallitibia in the gallery :)

I will dissect this one tomorrow, then key it out. I will add photos to the gallery for you if you can verify the species. I'll also post genitalia for you.

I hope that you have a Wonderful Evening.

Posted by johnes81 on 06-10-2017 17:52

Hello Stephane, I've sent a pm to you.

Meantime, I conclude that this species must be Fannia pallitibia. I admit that the pdf keys that I have are for males only. This is a female. But I think that the only similar species (with yellow tibiae) is Fannia pruinosa. From what I understand, F. pruinosa has setose parafacials. If so, then I do not see hairs on the parafacials. Further, the thorax and abdomen look black with gray dusting but not what I would describe to be pruinose.

I admit that I struggle dissecting ovipositors. My tools are too large. The only only scissors smaller than my micro scissors cost 400 euro in Germany. I don't care to import from North America, so I suppose I will have to visit a CNC shop for a custom design. :)

I will post the ovipositor here with a few photos illustrating the aforementioned features. If you can confirm Fannia pallitibia, then I will add photos to the gallery.