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I forgot to ask in the last post if anyone has come across any information on reflective eyespots in fly wings. There is intersting developmental stuff on formation of spot- and other patterns in the wings of some Leps (Fred Nijhout), but I'm not sure about Diptera. Leps have scales, but I don't think flies do (but Psychodidae?), only bristles. Most the patterns I've come across are darker bands and blotches that are due to dark bristle pigmentation. But the male of this sea-shore Dolichopodid _Liancalus_ that Dave Webster and I have independently stumbled upon has a small white reflective patch on each wing tip that can be seen even with the naked eye. These appear to be used for "flashing" females (some dolichos are known to have elaborate dance routines). The structure of the spot looks intriguing under the microscope, but before going any further, I'm wondering if such structures have been seen elsewhere in Diptera, so I don't go over the same ground twice. I haven't checked the _Drosphila_ literature yet, but that might turn up something. Please let me know if you remember seeing anything. Steve --
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