---

Please tell me if this male tachinid can be confirmed as Sturmia bella. If unconfirmed, what are alternatives to help me check? It was swept on 23/8/20 in eastern England (TF115855) at Eleanor and Lynwode Wood, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, which is a very under-recorded and it seems this would be the first county record. If confirmed, any up-to-date information about its supposed influence on Aglais urticae Small Tortoiseshell butterfly would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Phil

---

Yes, it looks good in this case, though generally speaking a dorsal view would be required as well.
Sturmia is indeed a specialist on Nymphalidae, it occurs mostly kate in the year (august - october).

Theo

---

Thank you Theo, would this view be useful?

---

Yes, this is Sturmia bella.

General advice is try to make the pics as perpendicular as possible, so dead dorsal and dead lateral. That way, subtle proportions can best be assessed.

But no need now, this one is OK. A male.

Theo

---

Thanks for your confirmation and advice Theo

Phil