Fly help

sebastianbawn · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2011, 08:23 AM

I recently Id'd some fly images as Bibio marci due to their large size, overall black colouration and large spiked projections on the foremost pair of legs. ButI am having a bit of difficulty with the Dilophus genus. The females I can Id, but how do I distinguish between the males of , say Dilophus hortulanus and Dilophus febrilis and Dilophus femoratus?

Matt Smith · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebastianbawn

I recently Id'd some fly images as Bibio marci due to their large size, overall black colouration and large spiked projections on the foremost pair of legs. ButI am having a bit of difficulty with the Dilophus genus. The females I can Id, but how do I distinguish between the males of , say Dilophus hortulanus and Dilophus febrilis and Dilophus femoratus?

It is mostly down the small spikes on their front legs and the various arrangements of said spikes.

Anomalous · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2011, 08:29 PM

Hi

I assume your Bibio marci photos were of specimens taken much earlier in the year? The large Bibio around recently are B. pomonae.

You mention Dilophus hortulanus, but I think you mean Bibio hortulanus?

I don't think there is an easy answer to your question. Have you got the RES Handbook to Bibionid and Scatopsid Flies by Freeman and Lane? That would be your best bet, perhaps.

Ian

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2011, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anomalous

I don't think there is an easy answer to your question. Have you got the RES Handbook to Bibionid and Scatopsid Flies by Freeman and Lane? That would be your best bet, perhaps.

Yes, very cheap too - just £5 when I got mine.

sebastianbawn · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2011, 10:12 AM

Yes my images were of B.marci, taken last year, only just got around to sorting them! Thanks all for the help and I will keep an eye out for that book!

P.s. Yes Ian, I meant B.hortulanus, think I may have been rushing my post a bit