Parasites on Chloropidae

I have seen mites on mostly beetles that have fairly long lives - between 6 to 12 months. But I have never seen so many mites on such a small fly!

Xylophagidae at the Whittier Narrows Natural Area

Phoridae at Whittier Narrows Natural Area

This collection of scuttle flies is from one Malaise trap on May 16, 2011 (3 days). It is only a quarter of the collection, too.

Therevidae in the Whittier Narrows Natural Area

I have been putting out Malaise and sticky traps and some of my special, "Bird Poop" traps to find out .... 'What brings the Least Bell's Vireo to the Narrows every year?"

This species is so big (2cm) I had to 'scab' together two microscope photos.... Here is more on the Family!


I will update. This is my second year out in the field!