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Melanostoma mellinum The unusual green halteres (which are quite clear in this view) are a key trait of Melanostoma mellinum. For the non-entomologists (I had to look this up) the halteres are vestigial wings that act function as a gyroscope for diptera (flies) and Strepsiptera, which are parasites, mainly of other insects. Other flying insects - butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, grasshoppers, etc. generally have 2 sets of wings. Geotagged,Melanostoma mellinum,Spring,United States Click/tap to enlarge Promoted

Melanostoma mellinum

The unusual green halteres (which are quite clear in this view) are a key trait of Melanostoma mellinum. For the non-entomologists (I had to look this up) the halteres are vestigial wings that act function as a gyroscope for diptera (flies) and Strepsiptera, which are parasites, mainly of other insects. Other flying insects - butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, grasshoppers, etc. generally have 2 sets of wings.

    comments (1)

  1. View Christine Young's profile
    Christine Young
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Nice! The green is so cool. Posted 3 years ago

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The Variable Duskyface Fly

"Melanostoma mellinum", is a very common species of hoverfly found in many parts of Britain, Europe, North Africa, Asia and North America. Little is known of its biology, However the larvae are suspected to be general predator of small insects in leaf litter.

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Similar species: True Flies
Species identified by morpheme
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By morpheme

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Uploaded Apr 2, 2022. Captured Mar 31, 2022 15:22 in Covered shelter New Zealand arboretum area, 2300 Arboretum Dr E, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
country flag of United States of America Explore United States of America 39,948 9,641 8
  • X-E2
  • f/5.6
  • 1/180s
  • ISO200
  • 80mm