Unusual Fly for ID

[peteandloz]

Found this unusual Black hairy fly in a Meadow at Knapp and Papermill NR (Worcestershire) any ideas?



Pete

[diggleken]

Hi Pete, I'm no fly expert, but with that hair, one of the Tachinids?
Tachina grossa maybe?
Wait for the experts though!
Cheers
Ken

[Matt Smith]

Your fly is indeed a Tachinid, but not Tachina grossa, it's not large and bulky enough and lacking the yellow head.

The species is Zophomyia temula, it's a fairly distinctive Tach with the shiny blue-black body and the orange shading at the base of the wings, not much else remotely like it so it is one that can be done from photos.

Could you let me have the details of the sighting so I can add it to the Tachinid Recording Scheme database, either here or via a PM.

Thanks

Matt

PS - if you are round and about the Knapp & Papermill reserve or the nearby villages, keep a look out for Noble Chafer - Gnorimus nobilis - the species is known from the reserve and its just about the start of the flight season now.

[diggleken]

Thanks for that info Matt - I didnt think it really looked like Grossa and the yellow a bit hidden, but my books dont have Zophomyia temula.....................so that was my closest!
Nice one.
Cheers
Ken

[peteandloz]

Thanks Ken and Matt.

Like you Ken my instinct was a Tachinid but nothing in the books to help.

Matt thanks for the ID and for the recording scheme:

Zophomyia temula

Recorder: Peter Smith
Date: : 04/06/2011
Location: Knapp and Papermill NR, Worcestershire
Map Ref: SO 751 522

I only saw the one feeding on flower heads in the Big Meadow.


I did keep an eye out for the Noble Chafer yesterday but no luck. Apparently very hot days in July is the best bet but with the strange weather patterns we are having i guess there is always a good chance of getting earlier sightings. It is a great reserve though and hopefully I will get back there next month.

Pete