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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Flies (Diptera) » Aschiza » Syrphid Flies (Syrphidae) » Eristalinae » Eristalini » Helophilus
Photo#240579
Helophilus - female
Copyright © 2008 Cotinis

Helophilus - Female
Parkwood, Durham County, North Carolina, USA
November 15, 2008
Size: 14 mm
This Helophilus was investigating a rotting pumpkin on a cool November day. It was so calm that I was able to do a series from several angles. These photos will be used on the guide page for the genus and, in one case, family Syrphidae. Size estimated.
I believe this is a female, because it appeared to be extruding an ovipositor at times (see linked photo)--please correct me if I'm wrong.

Images of this individual: tag all
Helophilus - female Helophilus--ovipositor - Helophilus - female Helophilus - female Helophilus - female Helophilus--spurious vein - Helophilus - female
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Contributed by Cotinis on 18 November, 2008 - 8:15am

Nice series, Patrick.
I think you're right on gender. Here's a post where it was expertly determined:

(I'm guessing you've already seen this, but thought the reference might help others.)
… Ron Hemberger, 18 November, 2008 - 10:41am login or register to post comments

 
Thanks
No, I had not seen that, thanks. This is a confusing genus, that is for sure. It seems like we should be able to get the species on some more of our photos, but perhaps that is too much to ask!

I'm going to summarize the characters on this guide page for the genus and reference these, and other, photos as appropriate. Comments and corrections are much appreciated.
… Cotinis, 18 November, 2008 - 6:42pm login or register to post comments

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