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Posted by conopid on 18-05-2009 08:28

Hello,
I am having trouble determining this Tachinid. I keep keying it as Ernestia spp, but the specimen does not fit any of the descriptions in Belshaw. The parafacial area has fine dark hairs over its complete length. Any suggestions welcome - is it even Ernestia?

Taken in my garden in Shrewsbury, UK 17 May. Length approx 9mm.

Best wishes to All
Nigel

Edited by conopid on 06-06-2009 22:45

Posted by Zeegers on 18-05-2009 18:05

epicampocera succincta without any doubt.

Don't know where Belshaw gives you trouble.

Theo

Posted by conopid on 18-05-2009 21:10

Thanks Theo.
I'll run it through Belshaw backwards and work out where I am making the wrong decision.:)

Posted by conopid on 22-05-2009 10:14

I reviewed the specimen of Epicampocera succincta and found the couplet in Belshaw that caused me a problem was the one asking whether or not the mouth edge is obviously projecting beyond the base of the vibrissae. It's the interpretation of what is obvious and what is not obvious that caused me aproblem, as the mouth edge certainly projects beyond the vibrissae in my specimen and to me it was obvious. Others may want to mark their Belshaw's at this couplet (it's about couplet 39) to flag up the possibility of mis-interpreting this feature.

Posted by Zeegers on 22-05-2009 10:53

I agree

It is obvious in both, but in Ernestia, it is more obvious, to semiquote George Orwell.

In direct comparison it really is obvious, however, this does not help the beginner.

Theo

Posted by conopid on 22-05-2009 12:04

The worrying thing is I have seen a good number of Epicampocera before - I suppose I'll eventually just learn to recognise the genus.

Posted by Zeegers on 22-05-2009 13:33

Good clues are:
bluish shine (also in Pales)
black, clavate palpus (esp. female)
distinctly curved outer edge of third antennal segment
shown in first pic

Theo