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Hello Miguel,

Pollenia are one of the most difficult genera of Brachycera to study. I have been frustrated many times. Pollenia rudis is the biggest problem because they can be so variable. I have a male rudis with a near black basicosta. Very frustrating, indeed. However, you can identify Pollenia accurately if you carefully read the descriptions, keys and notes of Dr. Rognes. Certain things ar necessary to help exclude possibilities.

facial carina, facial keel, basicosta, marginal scutellar setae, posterior spiracle, pv on t1, ad on t2, av on t3, vestiture and color of vestiture of abdomen and femora, Ovipositor, lateral sacs and spermathecae of females.

Once you gain experience with Pollenia it boils down to persistence, patience and key features. I am trying to collect all of the Pollenia of central Europe so that i can create my own keys. I'm missing six species. Someday, i'd like to add the Spanish species that are not present in central Europe. I'm working on this project as much as possible. I hope to make it easier for eveyone someday.

I will send a pm to you with my email address.

Best wishes,
John