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Boatman Fly

Pogonortalis doclea

Photo by Steve A
Published on Project Noah
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-34.8305, 150.542

Field Notes

Description:

A tiny fly, about 3 or 4 mm in length (much smaller than a house fly). Seen in my backyard on a garden pot in Southern NSW, not far from Nowra.

Notes:

Named because of its habit of slowly moving its wings back and forth like oars!

Reference Links:

Boatman Fly - Pogonortalis doclea

Species ID Suggestions

Boatman Fly

Pogonortalis doclea

Reference Link
CindyBinghamKeiser
1

Comments (5)
CindyBinghamKeiser
LOL, I rather enjoy this little fly! It's so unique in its wing movement and had great eyes!
Steve A
@ Cindy - beat me to it! Thanks so much for identifying this fly. Sorry about exporting it to the USA!!
CindyBinghamKeiser
I just saw these originated in Australia and were introduced to Cali!
Steve A
Cindy - half a world away, but they do look almost identical, right down to the line across the eye. I will look into it to see if we have these locally. Thanks
CindyBinghamKeiser
I'm not 100% sure but I have a spotting very similar at: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7230592 They move their wings forward and back like oars!
Photographed
PublishedDecember 29, 2011

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