Satellite Fly (Senotainia?) associated with Eremnophila

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Copyright © 2008 Cotinis

Satellite Fly (Senotainia?) associated with Eremnophila -

Parkwood, Durham County, North Carolina, USA
June 28, 2008
Size: 4 mm

A satellite fly associated with a prey-burying Eremnophila aureonotata (Sphecidae). Size estimated. I am presuming it is a female because it followed the wasp and investigated the burrow, presumably with the intention of laying eggs. It looks very much like this one:

that Herschel Raney observed associated with the closely-related wasp Ammophila.
Of the flies of this group we have identified to genus, it looks, perhaps(!), closest to Senotainia, compare:

Images of this individual: tag all

Satellite Fly (Senotainia?) associated with Eremnophila - female

Contributed by Cotinis on 18 July, 2008 - 3:13pm
Last updated 19 July, 2008 - 6:51am

Moved

Moved from Eremnophila aureonotata.

… Cotinis, 18 July, 2008 - 3:14pm

I was just observing

a similar situation with a Pompilid. Same venation as your fly but a tiny bit different looking. There were a few standing guard outside a Pompilid burrow for the 3/4 hour I was waiting/observing for the Pompilid to return (I observed her dig the burrow an evening before). As soon as she returned with her spider one of the flies followed about 5 seconds behind. They were both down in the burrow for quite a few minutes before I left (terribly hot - +90d). I had thought it was a Tachinid before your post, so thanks for that. I just wonder if these are a host specific kleptoparasitic species or just opportunists?

… Stephen Schueman, 18 July, 2008 - 9:01pm

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