Tuesday, 31 July 2007

Have you Ever Met A Stalk-eyed Fly?





Stalk-eyed flies (family Platystomatidae) are common visitors to the bird-feeder during the rainy season where they are attracted to fruit. Several species are involved. Males have characteristically-shaped heads that are used in ritualistic mating displays. They have an unusual gait and are very easily approached.

Reference

McAlpine, D. K. 1972. The Australian Platystomatidae with a revision of five genera. The Australian Museum, Memoir 15. Pp.1-256
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1 comment:

  1. Camera Trap Codger31 July 2007 at 14:25

    Those stalk-eyed flies are really wierd. I believe that Jerry Wilkinson at U of Md was studying the social behavior of this group some years ago. Neat insects.

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