Stiletto Flies of the World's Boletim

Arquivos de periódicos de outubro 2023

05 de outubro de 2023

Seasons switch again: Ectinorhynchus common in SE Australian spring

As the seasons swing again, the stiletto fly fauna switches back again. The spring genera are showing up, especially Ectinorhynchus in Australia and New Zealand and Entesia in Chile. Phycus brunneus seems to be a perennial favourite in India, although Irwiniella is sometimes seen and Thereva seemingly restricted to higher elevations. As we move into the summer months, we should start seeing more observations of Acraspisa, Parapsilocephala and Agapophytus in Australia, Peralia, Penniverpa and Notiothereva in Chile and Argentina, and Thereva, Schoutedenomyia and Caenophthalmus in South Africa; hopefully we will also see some more Phycusinae and Xestomyzinae throughout subsaharan Africa this season. Of course, a close relative of Peralia, Anabarhynchus will undoubtedly make frequent appearances this year throughout Australia, New Zealand and maybe even further afield in the Pacific.
Ozodiceromyia and Thereva continue to be frequently encountered in North America, and Thereva and Acrosathe common in Europe, although these genera with soon disappear for the winter months.

Looking forward to many new observations, observers and identifiers in the rest of 2023 and into 2024.

Posted on 05 de outubro de 2023, 04:09 PM by shaun-winterton shaun-winterton | 0 comentários | Deixar um comentário

Henicomyia observations needed!

One of the most interesting genera of stiletto flies is the genus Henicomyia. This extraordinary genus is found from SW USA throughout central America and as far south as Brasil. It a spectacular genus of Xestomyzinae, especially the North American species Henicomyia hubbardi.

We have some images of Henicomyia on iNat., but it would be great to see more, especially good images in focus. It is a genus that appears to be encountered rather infrequently, so keep your eyes out for this one. There are some great species in Central America that are undescribed, so it would be awesome to see some photos of these too.
Good hunting.

Images of Henicomyia so far: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=any&taxon_id=248081

Posted on 05 de outubro de 2023, 04:16 PM by shaun-winterton shaun-winterton | 0 comentários | Deixar um comentário