Black fly with dull red abdomen

[Bruce Williams]

Stockgrove Country Park, Beds. 26th December 2009.

Not the clearest photo I'm afraid - all help with id appreciated.



Bruce

[oxycera]

Just wondered if it's a lesser dung fly, Crumomyia sp. perhaps. This is only based on a quick net trawl, not based on any real entomological knowledge as this is a family I've only looked at superficially, and then a few years ago.

[JRsbugs]

Yes it's probably Crumomyia fimetaria, female. I have that one too but I can't say for sure it's this species, however it looks a lot like it. There are 7 Crumomyia species here but without pics of the others I don't know if there's any similar. It's a good bet though.

We can rule out C. nitida for one, C. pedestris also. That leaves C. notabilis, nigra, pruinosa and roserii. I haven't searched for their pics.

Diptera.info - Photo Albums: Sphaeroceridae

I find these about the most difficult fly to photograph, somehow the face just does not focus and they are so dark the camera settings need altering, that is if the thing hangs around.

Janet

[Bruce Williams]

Thank you Janet and John.

I have another pic of this same fly....I don't know if it will help any:



....and yes Janet I found this a difficult fly to photograph too....in fact these are the only two pics I managed to get and neither show good detail.

Bruce

[JRsbugs]

You did well bruce, mine are usually in the shadows.

Now seeing that rather than narrow it down even more I would include C. nitida too.

Diptera.info - Photo Albums: Crumomyia cf. nitida (female) (1)

I think it will have to remain a Crumomyia sp. unless someone has a key or more knowledge.

[lync]

The key would eliminate some species on tibia colour but microscopic examination would be required for specific identification (and ideally to confirm genus; photographic evidence may be suggestive but not always conclusive).

[Bruce Williams]

Janet - Thanks for your help with this one. Yes wing venation is near identical and it has the same general "look and feel" - I'm very happy with Crumomyia sp..

lync - Thanks for your help....and yes, a frustratingly familiar limitation - unfortunately.

Bruce