#therevidae

[drhoz]

#3386 - Neodialineura sp.

A genus of ten known species of Stiletto Fly, endemic to Australia, but more commonly reported from the SE than the SW.

If they're anything like better known stiletto flies, the larvae are predators that live in sandy soil, hunting other invertebrates.

Falcon, S. of Perth.

[saritawolf]

Stiletto Fly (family Therevidae) - (c) SaritaWolf - please do not repost

[reanimateobjects]

[coffeenuts]

[cnestus]

terrible ass on this fly. what the fuck man

probably Thereva sp.

[reanimateobjects]

[drhoz]

#1559 - Agapophytus pallidicornis

Photo by Laurie Dryburgh at Wynnum, Brisbane. Yet another wasp-mimicking Therevid. It seems to be a feature of the genus - others are also pretty vivid. It does appear that the markings have a secondary purpose, though - the males in at least one species, will ‘lek’ - gathering on a sunlit log to wave their legs at each other and impress passing females.

[drhoz]

#1557 - Agapophytus annamariae

Photo by Simon Lee, at Pinjarra SE of Perth. I’ve seen the same species myself but didn’t have a camera handy. I strongly suspect the yellow forelegs are meant to mimic the antennae of a Fabriogenia spider wasp, which has a rather painful sting if mishandled. This Therevid fly is otherwise defenceless.