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Hello,

Taken on 3rd April 2011, my garden near Lincoln UK. Size ~5mm.

It doesn't look to match any I have had before with hairy eyes. I have 4 pics which are not the best, it was running around the leaf licking something up. You can see the subscuttelum! :D

Janet :)

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pic 2

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pic 3

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pic 4

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Looks like Lypha dubia.

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Thank you Erikas! It does look like Lypha dubia, and I have the hosts. I haven't seen it before. :)

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Yeah, I was going to suggest Lypha dubia too ... common and early but annoyingly difficult to key-out in most keys ;)

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It certainly is, its just taken me 12 months, but I'm pleased I've finally cracked it.

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The bronze colouration (in males), shown in the thrid pic, is hardly ever seen in other Tachinidae. It may be subtle, but it is very distinctive !

Theo

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Useful note, thanks

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I noticed that bronze effect on a couple I caught today. So now I know what they will probably be :)

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It's more than likely - Lypha dubia are fairly common - but they can be tricky to key-out in Belshaw, which is something I have been trying to improve upon. For a quick check have a look at the hind spiracle and see whether it has equal-sized (often open) flaps and then check to see if the pteropleural bristle is long (reaching about as far back as the posterior margin of the lower calypter).

I think the bronzy/browny tint is found in a few - species at this time of year ... or rather it often isn't as clear as it might appear to be if you see one in isolation ;)

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Maybe 'bronze' is not the right word, but the colouration of male Lypha dubia is not met by any other common spring species: Phorocera, Campylochaeta and Cyzenis are pretty different.
Beware, however, that Lypha is pretty strongly sexual dimorph, which is confusing at first. The abdomen of the female is more checkered (halfway a Sarcophagini, but than 'bronze' and not greý).
If this still is understandable, I would say: have a look at the pictures !


Theo