Thread subject: Diptera.info :: small Tyrolean Tachinid - Siphona?

Posted by Sundew on 06-07-2011 23:46
#1

Hi,
This little Tachinid is probably a Siphona (S. cf. cristata?). I saw it in last August in Austria, Tyrol, Niederthai (1.500 m). Can the species be confirmed or is it something different?
Many thanks, Sundew

Posted by ChrisR on 07-07-2011 00:22
#2

Siphona sp. ... one of the ones with T1+2 marginals - rare in cristata but common in geniculata ... but I wouldn't dare guess what it is ;)

Posted by neprisikiski on 07-07-2011 08:21
#3

I agree with Chris, more likely S. geniculata, because of medial marginal bristles on tergite 2 and four strong postsutural dorsocentral bristles.

Posted by ChrisR on 07-07-2011 09:42
#4

Thanks for the confirmation Erikas ... here in England I would have guessed geniculata but this species is *very* dominant in the UK Siphona fauna (95% caught in my area are geniculata). S.cristata here tends not to have the T1+2 marginals and are usually more yellow in colour too ... geniculata tend to be that muddy brown colour.

Interestingly though, this year there are very few Siphona ... not sure why - maybe the dry Spring weather?