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I've been having a look at the problematic 'protos' recently, so here are my top tips for separating them:

1. Make sure the specimen is subfamily Chrysomyinae in the first place ie check for the distinctive body shape - as one of my Italian cook books put it (describing ciabatta or slipper bread), 'something both flat and slightly puffy at the same time.' Chrysomyinae are rather blunt nosed and flat faced, with a clearly defined transverse thoracic suture, slightly flattened dorsally, but still managing to look rather overstuffed in the abdomen.

2. Wing bases (sclerites and veins) brown = Protocalliphora. Wing bases black = Protophormia.

3. Pale calypters (white or yellowish, sometimes yellowy brown but never with a grey tinge) = Protocalliphora. Dark calypters (charcoal or dark brown with a grey tinge) = Protophormia.

4. Pre sutural ac present, 3 post sutural ia = Protocalliphora. Presutural ac absent, 2 post sutural ia = Protophormia.

5. 1st flagellomere relatively short - clearly not reaching vibrissae = Protocalliphora. 1st flagellomere long - reaching vibrissae = Protophormia.

6. Body lighter, brighter blue green, conspicuous dusting = Protocalliphora. Body very dark blue, no dusting = Protophormia. If your specimen is clearly green, then it is something else eg Chrysomyia.

Check out the gallery for images in Calliphoridae.
http://www.dipter...to_id=1616
http://www.dipter...to_id=2060