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Photo#9157
taper-tailed flower fly - Mallota albipilis - female
Copyright © 2004 Robin McLeod

taper-tailed flower fly - Mallota albipilis - Female
Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada
August 31, 2004
IDed as Mallota posticata by Dr. Jeff Skevington. Two shots of the same individual; I don't know whether the pointed tail is typical or an anomaly but the Latin "posticus" means posterior, so that might be a vote in favor of "typical" - anyone know? None seen previously or since... the Cedar Creek image shows no pointed tail... the mystery continues.
Contributed by Robin McLeod on 16 December, 2004 - 5:44pm
Last updated 5 January, 2008 - 8:55am

Sorry Jeff, wrong ID. This is
Sorry Jeff, wrong ID. This is Mallota albipes (sometimes the name albipilis is used) Snow 1895, with the wing-spot and the coloration it is clearly this rare species.
The female looks like it just laid eggs, because normally the ovipositor is not extended like this.
Cheers
Martin
… Martin Hauser, 25 October, 2005 - 2:27pm

 
M. albipilis/albipes
Thanks for the ID, Martin. Jeff checked the collection in Ottawa and verified this one as Mallota albipilis. I made a Guide page for the species and moved the images there.
… Robin McLeod, 5 November, 2005 - 5:08pm

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