Male Dominance and Control in Mating Sarcophagidae
Category: Nature
Photo and caption by Lesley Roy
I spotted something unusual when I'd gone to take some photos in a friendly couple's beautiful garden. It turned out to be what I believe are two Flesh Flies mating. What is so interesting is that it appears the male is controlling the female by jabbing her in the eyes with spurs located on his front legs. Apparently this is what some flies do while mating. This way the female can't easily escape and so helps to ensure the perpetuation of the male's genes.
Location: Morinville, Alberta
