Fly Fly Again

Golden-backed Snipe Fly, Chrysopilus thoracicus

 I've been on a fly kick of late, and making a habit of punny post titles.  One of the most striking flies in our area is the Golden-backed Snipe Fly.  Although these rhagionids are rather common in early summer, they still turn my head every time I see them.  Like many flies, males are 'holoptic' with their eyes touching and covering most of their heads, while females eyes are spaced apart.  I presume that this is an adaptation for males identifying and following females on the wing.

Sexual dimorphism

Many rhagionids are predatory, but it is suspected that this species feeds only on nectar, if at all.  The genus 'Chrysopilus' means "golden hair." The scintillating thorax on these flies probably has something to do with my fascination with them...

Oooh so shiny!

Brown Marmorated Merry Christmas!

This (not-so) Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) was encountered during the Christmas display setup at Longwood Gardens.  This bug had been overwintering among decorations in a barn.  While the ornaments were being painted silver, it was found crawling away with a new festive look.

For me this photo marks the beginning of a new adventure.  In 2012 I will be working with the USDA on biological control of Bown marmorated stink bug.  The bug was introduced from Asia to Pennsylvania in 1998, and is well known in much of the United States as a Autumn home invader.

Halyomorpha halys finding its way inside

Many people do not realize that this indoor nuisance is a serious agricultural pest of soybeans, corn, fruit trees, and other crops.  In 2010 Pennsylvania stink bugs caused an estimated 25% crop loss in apple orchards.  The USDA is evaluating several species of wasps that attack stink bugs to determine if they are effective against the pest but safe for other organisms.  More on that to follow in the coming year.

Incidentally, silver spray paint works as a feeding preventative but does not quickly kill stink bugs, leaving me ample time to take photographs.  It did eventually die, prompting the declaration that it was 'the ghost of Christmas pest.'