BG663 Fly - Protoplasa fitchii

Thanks

to all of you for your prompt, informative responses. We appreciate your interest in our contributions.
Gayle

… Gayle and Jeanell Strickland, 10 March, 2007 - 10:29pm

Moved

Moved from Flies.

… Keith Bayless, 10 March, 2007 - 8:01pm

Tanyderidae

Protoplasa fitchii (only species in east). This looks like a "primitive crane fly" in the family Tanyderidae. They have only one complete anal wing vein as opposed to 2 in the tipulids and the more colorfully pigmented wings. They are pretty rare from what I understand, but the wings and its locattion match up with the biology (immature stages are found in sandy soil at margins of streams). First time I have seen a picture of one, and not just read about them, so I dont want to hazzard a guess on sex.

… cgibbs, 10 March, 2007 - 8:24am

Female

This appears to be a female. There are no 'claspers' at the terminal end.

… Matt Bertone, 10 March, 2007 - 11:10am

wow

amazing find. There probably aren't very many pictures of live specimens of Protoplasa. If you look around the margins of that stream, you might find their larvae.

… Keith Bayless, 10 March, 2007 - 8:00pm