[ID] Which tiny fly?

[Jason Green]

Hi all,

Any ideas which fly this is? It's a great example of sexual dimorphism. I found another dead today, in a body of water - maybe they lay eggs in water like mosquitoes? Small, they're <5mm.

20/10/2009

Any ideas?
I wonder if it's in the Nematocera sub-family?

Thanks for reading!

Take care,

Jason

[JRsbugs]

Hi Jason,

Look at the family Sphaeroceridae. I have a few different species of those, as yet to ID or verify but it may be difficult. They are so dull and dark it's difficult to get good pics, last one I saw I upped the flash compensation, it worked quite well!

Diptera.info - Photo Albums: Sphaeroceridae

Janet

[Jason Green]

Thanks Janet. I was wondering where you were! I haven't seen you for a couple of days.

I've just looked - and have now ID'd another fly to family at least! I can't see a fly there that matches this one. My individual has a rather large, round thorax, and a smaller, downward-pointing head with large black compound eyes - similar to mosquitoes, etc. All those in this family appear to have red ones.

I have the specimen to hand, but I have it in a hand-made 'Relaxing chamber' at the moment as I plan on mounting him/her. I'll try for images of it in the morning.

[JRsbugs]

Hmm, not so sure Jason, try Phoridae! Look at Megaselia sp.

Diptera.info - Photo Albums: Phoridae

[Jason Green]

Ah-HA! That looks promising! Thanks. Please re-read my previous post as I edited it before you posted, I think. My usual habit; Post once, proof-read twice and edit three times