---

Hi,
Yesterday I met this small Tachinid. It recalled Microsoma exiguum a bit (at least to me!), but several characters do not match. So I would appreciate help.
Many thanks, Sundew

---

Some more details.

---

How small was it? Microsoma is really small ... we're talking about 2mm. :D I think yours looks bigger and is more like Medina or something similar.

---

Well, I remember my Microsoma, IDed by Theo, was a bit bigger (otherwise I had not got good images with my macro lens). I learned that Tachinid size is variable depending on the host :D! However, Microsoma has a stalked top cell, which is lacking in this fly. Medina I expected to be more slender and thus easily be mixed up with Gastrolepta. In this case, however, I would not have thought of a look-alike of Gastrolepta. However, I am not familiar with the genus Medina. May be, Theo will help.

---

I'd say you are close: male Meigenia spec. (note the erect scutellar bristles, the vibrissa high above mouth margin...)


Theo

---

Ah - Meigenia (we had a genus with M in mind, if you say we "are close" :)). I had already pics of Meigenia, but taken with the old pocket camera, so insufficiently magnified to recognize erect bristles or vibrissa position. Wow - I am learning a lot (hope my brain can store that all...) Many thanks!