"Timber".......fly that is.
Feb 21, 2022 1:36:00 GMT -8
Adam Cotton, panacanthus, and 1 more like this
Post by trehopr1 on Feb 21, 2022 1:36:00 GMT -8
Timber flies of the small family (Pantophthalmidae) are
very large, robust flies and are all of Neotropical
distribution. They range from southern Mexico all the
way to Paraguay. There are presently 21 known species
in two genera.
Though they may superficially resemble horse flies
(Tabanidae) they are recognized by Dipterists as being
only distantly related; they are in fact more closely
related to soldier flies (Stratiomyidae).
Overall, in private collections they are seldom encountered.
Even in museum collections there are often few representatives.
Here I offer an example of a species which I personally collected
in western Ecuador in May 1988.
This species has a solid 2 inch wingspan (tip to tip).
Impressive indeed but, not quite as large as other
species of the family.
Timber flies acquired their common name largely by
way of the habits of their larvae. You see, the larvae
actually chew (bore) into living wood (trees) to feed
on the sap. Thus making it a VERY unusual habit for
Diptera.
Strangely, their adult stage is said to be rather brief
with the adults not feeding at all ! Most are known
to be active at dusk or the earliest hours thereafter.
They do come to Merc.Vap.Lights which is how I
acquired my specimen.
Here again, I offer a true GIANT amongst the timber
flies which hails from Peru and is in the collection of
a good friend. At 3 (1/4) inches wingspan its really
something !
Hope you have enjoyed tonight's discussion on yet
another "little known" wonder of the insect realm.
very large, robust flies and are all of Neotropical
distribution. They range from southern Mexico all the
way to Paraguay. There are presently 21 known species
in two genera.
Though they may superficially resemble horse flies
(Tabanidae) they are recognized by Dipterists as being
only distantly related; they are in fact more closely
related to soldier flies (Stratiomyidae).
Overall, in private collections they are seldom encountered.
Even in museum collections there are often few representatives.
Here I offer an example of a species which I personally collected
in western Ecuador in May 1988.
This species has a solid 2 inch wingspan (tip to tip).
Impressive indeed but, not quite as large as other
species of the family.
Timber flies acquired their common name largely by
way of the habits of their larvae. You see, the larvae
actually chew (bore) into living wood (trees) to feed
on the sap. Thus making it a VERY unusual habit for
Diptera.
Strangely, their adult stage is said to be rather brief
with the adults not feeding at all ! Most are known
to be active at dusk or the earliest hours thereafter.
They do come to Merc.Vap.Lights which is how I
acquired my specimen.
Here again, I offer a true GIANT amongst the timber
flies which hails from Peru and is in the collection of
a good friend. At 3 (1/4) inches wingspan its really
something !
Hope you have enjoyed tonight's discussion on yet
another "little known" wonder of the insect realm.
