'Mythical' extinct fly rediscovered after 160 years (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Matt Walker
Editor, Earth News

A 'mythical' fly has been rediscovered after 160 years.

Thought to be the first fly driven to extinction by humans, it was also considered one of Europe's few endemic animals to have disappeared for good.

The bizarre fly was considered 'mythical' due to its orange head, its preference for living on dead animal carcasses, and the fact it was rarely sighted even in the 19th Century.

The discovery of the fly living in Spain is "sensational", say scientists.

The colourful, strange-looking fly goes by the scientific name of Thyreophora cynophila and belongs to the cheese and bone-skipper family of flies.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9008000/9008585.stm

[Jackpine Radical]

1. I looked at the picture and all I can say is

I'd sure as hell swat the thing if it landed anywhere near me.

I know this comment is gonna shitcan my status as an environmentalist, but there are some things that just don't need to live.

[Better Believe It]

2. If it's this big all I can say is ........ RUN FOR THE HILLS!

[Glassunion]

3. Hell... I don't even think you can shoot it...

Looks like that thing has a tungsten coating.

[Sal Minella]

4. I need to know how big it is

before I know how I feel about it.

If it's the size of a mouse turd or smaller, I'm okay with it.

[3waygeek]

5. IOW, they've discovered Spanish Fly n/t

[Ready4Change]

6. Just a case of mistaken identity?

They saw this and thought "Look! There's an extinct relic with an orange head!"