---

Phasia barbifrons is a small Tachinidae, which is normally rather rare in the Netherlands but abundant in some years. This years proves to be one of those. I just returned from a nearby forest and saw literally thousands of them.
I am very interested in the distribution of barbifrons in the Netherlands, since not specimens have been recorded (yet) west of my home, Soest.
Phasia barbifrons is easily recognized:
* very small, 3 -4 mm.
* on flowers, often Umbellifera, also Compositae
* black with red eyes
* eyes nearly touching on the vertex
* abdomen unusually broad and short

In short, it is a dwarf and black version of Phasia hemiptera.

All records are welcome: th.zeegers@tref.nl

You may find them till the end of August.

Good luck


Theo