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Rutilia argentifera
This large Golden Head Rutilia Fly is metallic dark blue-green in colour with bright orange-yellow colour head. On the thorax and abdomen there are the shiny white spots patterns. Different individuals may have slightly different patterns.This fly can be identified from other Golden Head Rutilia Flies by its postorbits (the narrow strips behind eyes) are entirely bright yellow.
They are usually found in the forest with small creeks. Often seen resting on tree trunks heading downwards, about a meter from ground. The Golden Head Rutilia Fly is nectar feeder and assist the flower plants for pollination. Adults are usually found resting on the sunny side of tree trunk. Adults feed on flowers, notably Eucalyptus. Females rest on ground when larvipositing.
Spotted on Feb 27, 2013
Submitted on Feb 27, 2013
13 Comments
Yeah i agree, he definitely caught my eye from a distance
Never thought i'd say it but what a pretty fly. Gorgeous colours
No worries :) I have no idea what it is so any suggestions are better than mine
I think it is a female Blue Snail Parasitic Blowfly now that I look at it http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_... sorry
Thanks! I did read that somewhere, so based on that do you think this is a male or female? Me too, i just had no idea flies could look like this until i stumbled upon this one.
sometimes the wider gap is the difference between male and female I think. I am also developing a passion for flies. This is a nice spotting!
What do you know, there's a mission specifically for flies! You'll have to add yours leanne!
Thanks! Yeah your spotting is very similiar. I have to admit i've never really been a fan of flies but this one may have changed my mind a bit.
Cool fly Alice! I have a similar spotting, though mine seems to have a wider gap between the eyes. Since joining Project Noah, I have a new appreciation for flies :) http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/107...
Thanks for the confirmation guys :). I've never seen one here before and i've been here almost 14 years. All this rain must have brought him out.
Looks good, definitely the genus.
Incredible fly Alice. ID looks good to me. We only get the boring colours in rutilia here.
Not 100% on the ID if anyone can confirm?