#tapeigaster

[drhoz]

[drhoz]

#1224 - Tapeigaster cinctipes - Sunfly

A large Heleomyzid fly, perched on a large Jack o’ Lantern mushroom. You might note that this one, a male, has overly muscular forelegs for a fly. The two things are connected.

Male Tapeigaster flies stake out their claim on a mushroom and defend it against rival males by lining up face to face and kicking each other in the head. A successful male then waits for the females to arrive, who will lay their eggs on the fungus if they think he and his territory are impressive enough.

Seen during a visit to the Goodale Reserve, West Coolup, south of Perth.