---

Another of the "oddball" Diptera (at least, "oddball" to me, as a newcomer to the Order) that I observed and photographed recently. To my untrained eye, looks like a Syrphid,, but of course could be something completely different. :)

Specimen data (UK fauna) as follows:

Location: OS Grid Reference SJ496853
Date: 23/08/2012, 10:30 BST
Habitat: Scrub grassland, featuring abundant Bramble & Nettle growth, with an adjacent playing field. Trees in the vicinity include Oak, Rowan, Sycamore (the latter mature).
Conditions: Warm, humid, intermittently sunny.

This time I've remembered to resample the photo before uploading!

---

I think Tachinidae!!

---

I've just performed a check over at the UK Tachinid Recording Scheme, and they have an image of Tachina fera whose abdominal pattern bears some resemblance to my insect ... but T. fera has much more prominent antennae than my specimen. Time to dive into the gallery here!

---

Just taken a look at the gallery here ... Linnaemya vulpina from the gallery bears a considerable resemblance to my specimen ... patterned abdomen, dark thorax, orange colouration at wing bases ... of course, for a definitive ID, I'll have to capture a specimen for dissection ...

---

Try Thelaira nigripes :) (possibly - we can't be sure because we cannot see the leg & head bristles)

But also remember that flies are generally not identified by comparing to pictures and features like body colour & shape in photos are often very deceptive ;)

---

Hence my stating I'm going to have to capture a specimen for some experts to take a close look at. :)

At least I know I'm finding some interesting specimens on my travels, despite being stuck in an urban area!

---

Yes, Thelaira nigripes are found fairly frequently ... look out for others like Tachina fera & Eriothrix rufomaculata to name bu a few :)