Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Thelaira (Tachinidae)
Posted by Rui Andrade on 14-04-2009 23:42
#1
Hi,
I need help with this tachinid. Is it possible, from these pictures, to tell the species? I think it could be T. solivaga.
location: Barcelos, Portugal
date: 27/09/2008
Middle tibia:
Posted by ChrisR on 15-04-2009 08:57
#2
Two long bristles on the tibia suggests
T.nigripes and the large orange side patches suggest
T.solivaga ... and this shows the problems with
Thelaira identification ;)
My guess would be
T.nigripes :)
Posted by Rui Andrade on 15-04-2009 23:21
#3
Thank you Chris. I was having difficulties interpreting the number of bristles in the mid tibia relevant to the identification.
Posted by ChrisR on 16-04-2009 08:47
#4
Yes, that is a common problem. I think the key really should say "large ad bristles" because the smaller ones would normally qualify as "ad bristles" in other species but for the purposes of the
Thelaira key they don't. Well, that's my interpretation anyway :) Also, the amount of orange on the abdomen really is very variable and can only act as a secondary feature.