Blow flies (Calliphoridae)
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GrahamH
wrote:
10 Mar 2024
Amenia imperialis - maybe. Murphy's Law says that other photos of this species show the female, whereas this specimen is a male, and the distinctive white spots in many of the photos appear to be variable in their position relative to the specimen in question. In addition, our specimen does not show the head clearly - no criticism of the photographer, while many other photos clearly show the features of the head. This exemplifies one of the big questions in taxonomy regarding intra-specific variability.
So we are back to the original diagnosis - do we just say Calliphoridae as a definitive diagnosis, or do we guess at a possible identification?
So we are back to the original diagnosis - do we just say Calliphoridae as a definitive diagnosis, or do we guess at a possible identification?
Amenia imperialis
GrahamH
wrote:
10 Mar 2024
Calliphoridae - yes. Chrysomya species are often called tertiary flies in a sheep blowfly strike context, and are usually distinguished from Calliphora and Lucilia species by the distinct darker markings between the sutures on the dorsal surface. However, this species is very distinctive because of the white spots - I have not seen this species before. If it is possible to collect some live specimens this would make an interesting rearing project to define the immature stages.
The specimen is a male because the eyes are touching at the top edge, whereas females have a separation of the eyes in this position.
The specimen is a male because the eyes are touching at the top edge, whereas females have a separation of the eyes in this position.
Amenia imperialis
GrahamH
wrote:
2 Feb 2024
This specimen appears to be a Tabinidae, commonly called a March fly. These species 'bite' people with a painful impact as they go in search of a blood meal. Similar body colouration to Calliphoridae, but the green eyes usually separates Tabinids from Calliphorids which usually have red eyes. Also, Calliphorids are carrion flies which have siphon-like mouthparts, and are noisy in flight. Tabinids are mostly quiet in flight, which is why the bite is usually the first indication of their presence.
Unidentified Blow fly (Calliphoridae)
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