Posted by joezito on 25-09-2010 22:48
#1
Picture taken in North America, U.S., state of Iowa in June. Two questions: (1)Is there enough here to narrow to species? (2) What angles/views should I try to get to help with id when taking pictures of flies of this type? Thanks
Posted by Gerard Pennards on 25-09-2010 22:56
#2
Yes, it is a Melanostoma female, but there are several species in North America. Unless you haven't seen them all a species ID is difficult. Furthermore you must realise that from a picture it is often impossible to get to species, because you can't see all the details. For this picture you did well, the shot shows the abdominal markings, which makes it easy to see it's a female Melanostoma!
Greetings