help me to ID a fly please

joye · #1 (**permalink**) 25-05-2010, 05:10 PM

hello I'm a brand new member and I need help to ID a fly, now I know it would be easier with a picture but please bear with me.
I watched it for a good while lamenting that my camera batteries were flat.

Seen hunting masonry bees, always landing looking downward on the wall or downpipe. Approx 1 inch long, amber coloured, translucent slender abdomen. Long amber legs, stocky upper body with short grey fur, folded wings as long as abdomen, wings had black marks 3/4 of the way down. Black coloured eyes.
I thought it was a robber fly but I can't identify it.
I've searched my complete book of insects and this site and I'm still stumped.
I do hope some one can point me in the right direction.
It's probably very obvious to most but me!

yours very hopefully.

Joye

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 25-05-2010, 06:38 PM

To start with. Have you checked for an Ichneumon Wasp, possibly one of the Ophion species?

Ichneumons are a large and complicated family so you may not find an exact match, but it is where I would start.

oxycera · #3 (**permalink**) 25-05-2010, 06:54 PM

Rhagio scolopaceus

joye · #4 (**permalink**) 26-05-2010, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oxycera

Rhagio scolopaceus

Wow, I've just found a picture of this one, the Rhagio scolopaceus, and that's my guy, I can't thank you enough, nor express how impressed I am!

Now I need to read all about him or her. I'd never heard of a 'snipe fly'!

best wishes

Joye