Megaselia scalaris

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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Flies (Diptera) » "Aschiza" » Platypezoidea » Scuttle Flies (Phoridae) » Metopininae » Megaselia » Megaselia scalaris

Photo#31344

Copyright © 2005 Charles Schurch Lewallen

Megaselia scalaris -

Henryetta, Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, USA
September 11, 2005
Size: aprox. 3mm

This small fly landed on my table as I was sitting down to dinner. I believe that they are common around food in the house (tho I have never seen one this close so there may be several different types ).

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Contributed by Charles Schurch Lewallen on 12 September, 2005 - 5:52pm
Last updated 10 January, 2006 - 11:15am

Phoridae.

Wow, what a magnificent shot of a phorid fly! It is likely Megaselia scalaris, as I understand that is overwhelmingly the most common species indoors. I will be getting back to you on this shot, as I think we still need an image for the field guide.

… Eric R. Eaton, 12 September, 2005 - 6:11pm

micro fly

Thanks for the ID Eric.

… Charles Schurch Lewallen, 12 September, 2005 - 7:02pm

Confirmed by expert.

You're welcome, Charles:-) I sent a link to my friend Dr. Brian Brown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. He is a world authority on Phoridae, and he confirmed the ID, adding it is a female.

… Eric R. Eaton, 14 September, 2005 - 4:13pm

M. scalaris

Thanks, Eric. Image moved from Phoridae to new species page as per Dr. Brown's ID.

… Robin McLeod, 10 January, 2006 - 11:45am

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