RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1861.05.19. Observed 3 or 4 days ago several red-bellied flies with long proboscis. CUL-DAR77.23. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 2.2023. RN1
NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volumes CUL-DAR 76-79 contain material for Darwin's book Cross and self fertilisation (1876).
[23]
Rhingia one of Syrphidæ
May 19 /61/ Observed 3 or 4 days ago several red-bellied flies with long proboscis (Rhingia rostrata) haunting V. tricolor they did not reach the nectary, but seemed to mark somethng from papillose bodies round stigma— To day noticed that multitude flowers had set— So today noticed again & saw same fly doing same thing; caught 2 & found whole under surface of body, ledges & head, dusted with pollen of V. & they wd easily have fertilised stigma at mouth of flower — I have no doubt effected it—
So flies fertilising an irregular flower.—
(Hive Bees) (I have an Rhingia sucking Veronica chamiædrys & this Labiate plant.— Saw Humble at Polygala
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 28 May, 2023