odd fly - Microdon globosus

Thanks Don

for both the id and the host species info!

… tom murray, 30 December, 2006 - 4:58pm

Microdon globosus

Finally got around to looking at the specimen. The host ant is Tapinoma sessile.

… Donald S. Chandler, 29 December, 2006 - 9:05pm

Microdon

I have been watching intently for these again. An amazingly speciose genus in the east with very few adult specimens. Probably diverse because they don't range far from their birthplaces. This one has impressive wing markings.

… Herschel Raney, 16 June, 2006 - 9:20am

Syrphidae: Microdon sp,?

If you still have it, I would like it. Alcohol is OK.

… Donald S. Chandler, 15 June, 2006 - 8:48pm

I'll put it in alchohol

I saw 2 of these on the same day. It would be great to find out what this odd looking fly is. It's wings even have a dark zigzag pattern.

… tom murray, 15 June, 2006 - 9:00pm

Microdon globosus or M. pseudoglobus

One or the other - will have to see the specimen and use the key. All we have are old specimens (1920's) of both.

… Donald S. Chandler, 16 June, 2006 - 7:38am

Key

Are you using a key from the Canadian Entomologist revision of this genus? And do you know where I can buy a copy of that paper.

… Herschel Raney, 16 June, 2006 - 9:22am

Thompson, F.C. 1981

Revisionary notes on nearctic Microdon flies (Diptera: Syrphidae). Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash., 83: 725-758. We have the other one also, by Novak and Garner, 1977. Haven't looked at them yet. The M. pseudoglobus (or pseudoglobosus) was described by Chris Thompson, so I suspect his 1981 paper will be the most helpful. I just tore the papers out of the journal issues before disposing of them, and put them in our collection library [which is databased]. You may be able to order a photocopy through your public library now.

… Donald S. Chandler, 16 June, 2006 - 12:49pm

It does

look like a Microdon, but not a species that I recall ever seeing. I should be able to put a name on it.

… Donald S. Chandler, 15 June, 2006 - 9:05pm