3 unidentified flies

sebastianbawn · #1 (**permalink**) 23-06-2009, 06:07 PM

All found in Bristol. One hoverfly? and 2 bluebottles? (Im just guessing now

)

Toby · #2 (**permalink**) 23-06-2009, 07:51 PM

definitely got the basic ID right, for the Blow flies take your pick from this Gallery:

Diptera.info - Photo Albums: Calliphoridae

JRsbugs · #3 (**permalink**) 23-06-2009, 10:00 PM

The hover is Merodon equestris.

The bluebottles cold be Calliphora vicina but you need to be able to see the face and beard colour, also the orange spiracle.

Janet

sebastianbawn · #4 (**permalink**) 24-06-2009, 05:06 PM

Thank you both. Is the hover a male or female? Is the face a key indicator in blow flies?

JRsbugs · #5 (**permalink**) 24-06-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sebastianbawn

Thank you both. Is the hover a male or female? Is the face a key indicator in blow flies?

The hover is a male, their eyes meet but there's a gap at the back. Female Merodon have a larger gap between the eyes.

The face, and hair colour on the bluebottles is important as Calliphora vicina has a reddish face with a black beard, C. vomitoria has a black face with red beard. C. vicina also has an orange spiracle which is located just behind the head on the 'shoulder'.