Orange fly with distinctively marked thorax

[Jason Green]

Probably a few.

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

Psila fimetaria would appear to perfectly match my photos including the dark mark on the antenna that Janet mentioned. But I can't find any records in the whole of S W England.

Is there another very similar alternative or is it another case of under reporting?

It would be best to post a photo of it Geoff, knowing if there's any similar depends on the level of knowledge anyone has. Not only are there others 'similar' in Psilidae (best to use the full family title as others really won't know what you mean) there are others 'similar' in different families.

If you have a reasonable idea what your fly might be, the best route to check out other possibilities is to search the site on diptera.info (the whole site using all the words), there you will find posts where different features are mentioned. That is the best way to be aware, and to learn, it takes time but is worth the effort.

Diptera.info - Search: Search Results

It's also a good idea to check the dipteristsforum here to check we actually have the species, best to only search for the genus..

The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

...then check the NBN Gateway.. although that is far from accurate it might give some idea.

National Biodiversity Network Gateway

In some cases it gives no idea, such as one I have (and more!) Nostima (Philygria) picta although I see there's more records on the NBN now, there was only two when I found mine. My record isn't on there (Lincoln) but is on diptera.info.

NBN Gateway - interactive species mapper

Bruce... I will be looking out for any you might post..

[Geoff F]

It was the NBG site where I checked, Janet, and most sightings there seem to be around the middle of the UK.

As you say the availability of records on that site does seem to be variable and a lot of species just don't get reported. I have found the same thing with most of the slightly uncommon hoverflies that I find in my locality.

Now that I have something to work on, I will do some more checking and post my photos later today or tomorrow.

Thanks for the help.

[Bruce Williams]

Is this one of any help Janet?



Bruce

[JRsbugs]

Well, it does look sort of dark!

Look at these threads..

Diptera.info - Discussion Forum: Psila fimetaria?

Here's the other which is similar, Psila merdaria but I don't know how this was decided as I can't see the antennae well enough!

Diptera.info - Discussion Forum: Psilidae from May-04, 2010 --> Psila merdaria

There's a key linked on the next one, don't know if that helps..

Diptera.info - Discussion Forum: Small orange fly>Psilidae

There is a good shot Peter has posted of the face which shows the dark area around the arista...

Diptera.info - Discussion Forum: Lauxaniidae

[Bruce Williams]

Some really helpful (although not conclusive) links - Thanks Janet.

I notice that in all cases (links) the thorax markings were much fainter than those on my fly - is this likely to be natural variation or maybe just age related - or could it be an indicator of species?

Bruce

[JRsbugs]

Bruce.. I would like to say that the markings do indicate it is Psila fimetaria as all I have seen do seem to have these marks, sometimes fainter though. There is a pic of a male on diptera.info which looks like yours with strong markings, I can't say if this is more likely to appear on males or is just a variation. From what I have seen it would appear to be the case but that is only personal observation and not a scientific fact.

Maybe try it on diptera.info, but indicate you would like to know if it's possible to separate it from other alike species so you get the correct response.

[Bruce Williams]

I'll do as you suggest Janet - thanks.

Bruce