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Hello,

When I shot them, I thought those two pictures showed the same individual.
Looking closer afterwards, I realize it is probably not even the same species (?)
Central Belgium, July 17 2015. Approx. 10 mm.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Philippe

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Phillippe, did you collect them ?
The left one looks really weird, but I'd really like a lateral shot (of both).


Theo

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Thanks Theo. Alas, no, the attached photo is the only one I have (of the one on the right) . The left one was taking off and it's the first and the last I saw of it. The evening was very warm and all insects were rather active !

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The left one is a female Dexia vacua.
Congratulations, that is an excellent record ! Nice to see it is active at night, that might explain its rareness in collections.

The right one should be Thelaira nigripes.

Greetings


Theo

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You made my day, Theo ;°)
The time was 22:36

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As a diurnal dipterologist, that qualifies as 'night' for me !

Theo

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:D
But as a matter of fact, it really is dusk as they both belonged to the first wave of insects coming to light just after sunset. They disappeared as quickly as they came. By the way it's fascinating to see how synchronized the various species are with respect to flight timing .
I used to put up a Skinner type trap and look it up only in the morning. I now realize, having sat in front of a lighted white sheet during the night, that I was probably missing a lot of critters which don't enter the trap, manage to escape , or possibly get eaten by other captives!
Anyway, once again, your help is greatly appreciated.

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Very interesting observation.

You should consider to write a small note for Tachinid Times.

Theo

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Well, I guess I would need some more substantial data for that. But I will pay more attention to tachinids, and perhaps collect, whenever I run those late evening light shows in my garden.