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Unidentified fly. Fist it looked to me like a wasp but closer examination showed short antenna similar to flies. It was flying erratically over a sand patch on a track . The sand patch was used by hundreds of very small native bee species digging individual barrows.<br /> I am not sure if that rather large fly was preying on the native bees. Australia,Geotagged,Spring Click/tap to enlarge

Unidentified fly.

Fist it looked to me like a wasp but closer examination showed short antenna similar to flies. It was flying erratically over a sand patch on a track . The sand patch was used by hundreds of very small native bee species digging individual barrows.
I am not sure if that rather large fly was preying on the native bees.

    comments (7)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
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    A robber-fly possibly? Posted 6 years ago
    1. View Christine Young's profile
      Christine Young
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      It does look similar to a robber fly, but I would say that it looks more like a mydas fly. The antennae and gigantic hind femurs don't fit with a robber fly. Posted 6 years ago
      1. View Christine Young's profile
        Christine Young
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        Maybe Miltinus viduatus? Posted 6 years ago
      2. View Ernst's profile
        Ernst
        Lion
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        Thank you Christine. No I am sure that it is not a robberfly. Almost all have the wings closed when resting. But the Mydas fly is mostlikely correct but to find the species correctly might take time. But you deserve a medal for your great expertise in taxonomy. Posted 6 years ago
        1. View Christine Young's profile
          Christine Young
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          You're welcome! And, thank you ;). I taught entomology for a few years back in the stone age, and thankfully I still remembers some of the basics of taxonomy! Posted 6 years ago
    3. View Ernst's profile
      Ernst
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      Thank you Ferdy but I think Christine is close with suggesting flies in the family Mydidae. I will try . Posted 6 years ago
      1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
        Ferdy Christant
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        Fully agree with her! Posted 6 years ago

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By Ernst

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Uploaded Dec 9, 2018. Captured Dec 5, 2018 17:30 in Unnamed Road, Mountain Lagoon NSW 2758, Australia.
country flag of Australia Explore Australia 13,085 4,176 3
  • Canon EOS 700D
  • f/9.0
  • 1/4096s
  • ISO1600
  • 180mm