[Syrphidae] Mating syrphids

[Chris Bergh]

Chris:

I agree, although this is likely going to be more challenging than 
may first meet the eye, given the relatively low adult density. I'm 
hoping to rear some adults and observe behavior in large field cages 
with WAA infested trees, as a first step.

At 02:43 PM 6/15/2009, you wrote:
>Chris:
>
>Wednesdy I will leave for the bi-annual international workshop on 
>flower flies in Serbia.
>
>When I get back I will see about finding references for you.
>
>Rearing syrphids in captivity is a mixed bag. Some species are easy 
>to rear and are routinely used in laboratories (Eristalis tenax and 
>Episyrphus balteatus) and for greenhouse pollination. However, USDA 
>attempts at using Cheilosia for the biological control of thistle 
>failed as they could not get colonies going. Males would simply not 
>mate in a cage.
>
>What you need to do urgently is spend time in the field watching 
>Heringia calcarata, seeing how it mates, etc. For example, do the 
>males hover and then mate with the females in the air? Or do the 
>males meet the females on a leave and simply climb on board, etc
>
>More later ....
>
>Cheers
>
>----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Bergh" <cbergh at vt.edu>
>To: <syrphidae at lists.nottingham.ac.uk>
>Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 8:55 AM
>Subject: [Syrphidae] Mating syrphids
>
>
>>Greetings,
>>
>>I am in need of any information or advice regarding mating syrphids 
>>in captivity (any species would be fine, although I work with a 
>>Pipizine). This information could be from cage studies or (ideally) 
>>under quarantine conditions. As well, if any of you have any 
>>information or records regarding parasitism of any Pipizine syrphid 
>>by any Diplazon species, that would be most useful, too.
>>
>>Thanks very much for your help. - Chris
>>
>>J. Christopher Bergh
>>Associate Professor of Entomology
>>Virginia Tech AHS-AREC
>>595 Laurel Grove Road
>>Winchester, VA 22602
>>Tel (540) 869-2560 xt.32
>>Fax (540) 869-0862
>>
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>
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J. Christopher Bergh
Associate Professor of Entomology
Virginia Tech AHS-AREC
595 Laurel Grove Road
Winchester, VA 22602
Tel (540) 869-2560 xt.32
Fax (540) 869-0862