Unidentified fly - orange, black and white abdomen

[Bruce Williams]

Salcey Forest, Northants.

Sunning on old wooden bench surrounded by brambles and other shrubs. No open water nearby. Orange abdomen was very noticeable.

This is a new one for me so would appreciate help with id.



Bruce

[Venger]

Not really my area, but possibly a male Musca autumnalis, a face fly.
Really nice shot as well (good angle for spider photos too, hint hint)

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Venger that certainly looks very much like it. BTW how did you identify it as a male?

Bruce

[Venger]

Just from what the website told me (I told you it wasn't my area )

See below:
Musca autumnalis
Musca autumnalis De Geer,1776 (Autumn House-fly)

[oxycera]

The top of the eyes meet in male flies whereas in females there is a gap (not in every family, but many). In side-shots, the female abdomen often tapers to a degree but in males the end of the abdomen is to an extent rounded or thickened or indeed showing various elements of the genitalia. That's fairly crudely put but in practice it is usually not difficult to decide.

[Bruce Williams]

Venger - Thanks for posting that really helpful link (now in my favourites).

oxycera - Thanks for your explanation - will make a point of checking those characteristics from now on.

Bruce