| Rhagio vitripennis (Meigen, 1820) |
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Scientific name: Rhagio vitripennis (Meigen, 1820) Common name: French name: Order: Diptera Family: Rhagionidae Wingspan : 7 to 12 mm. Biotope: Damp meadows, damp woodland edges. It is often observed landed on leaves or head-down on tree trunks. Geographic area: Europe. Observation period : May to September. |
Rhagio vitripennis is a lengthy fly with long legs. The anal cell of the fore wings is open, which is typical of the Rhagio genus. The thorax is grey with two pale longitudinal lines. The abdomen is orange brown with black marks. The legs are orange brown with darker tarsi. Rhagio vitripennis shows hyaline wings with black marks next to the margin. The metapleuron, plate on the lateral side of the thorax located at the back of the haltere, is hairy. Rhagio scolopaceus does not show any pilosity on the metapleuron. The dark spots on the wings are better marked. The members of this family feed on small insects usually caught in flight. The larvae, which grow in the soil, feed on larvae of other insect species and also on earth worms. |
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Here is Rhagio vitripennis in its typical position, head-down on a tree trunk. |
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I have been able to get very close relatively easily to shoot a close-up side view. I had to try several times but this fly was used to landing again and again about at the same place. This picture clearly shows the pilosity on the metapleuron which is the key to tell this species apart. |
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Here is another picture which provides a good view of the wings with the vein pattern and the few dark marks. |
André Bon October 2012