---

As a relative newcomer and novice to this field, I am trying to learn how to identify individual species by the use of keys. I have a Lucilia specimen and I have keyed it out to L.illustris, but am not at all sure yet about how good my interpretation of the keys is. I know this is a big ask, but I was wondering if there are any experts out there who would be willing to take a look at my specimen and either confirm my ID or tell me what it actually is and where I went wrong in my diagnosis? I appreciate not everyone would have either the time or the inclination to help this novice out with his learning curve, but I would ceratinly be very grateful for any assistance. :)

Jez lee

---

In case you are really a newcomer I guess it is perhaps not the best idea to start with Lucillia's. This genus is very difficult and requires often study of the prepared genitals. When I see them I quickly turn away from them ;-)

---

Jez,
I expect someone from the UK based Dipterists Forum may be able to help you. Try posting a request there. http://www.dipteristsforum.org.uk/
If you have not already joined the Forum, it's a snip at £6 and gains you access to lots of useful material including a Dipterists STarter pack, workshops etc.

---

I would echo the recommendation to joint the Dipterists Forum, and also agree that Lucilia is a tough place to start, their are couple that are easy, the rest you need to be looking at male genitalia etc. added to which the only decent reference to them is out of print. I think the best apprenticeship is to stat with hoverflies and branch out from there?

Good luck and welcome