Is this Tachina fera please?

[Dillybythesea]

Although the colouring is different is several ways from the T. fera female in the same hedge a few days ago, I'm thinking their colouring might just be very variable?

[Anzu]

I think due to the black legs this is a nowickia species rather then Tachina

[Dillybythesea]

Originally Posted by Anzu

I think due to the black legs this is a nowickia species rather then Tachina

Well thank you Anzu! I haven't come across Nowickia before. I've googled images and am wondering then if it's Nowickia ferox, which seems to be the only species commonly mentioned? I do hope somebody says.

[Anzu]

I first thought the Nowickia Ferox I found in my garden before was a Tachina Fera until I posted it on here

Tachina species?

This is the thread I made.

I wanted to say Nowickia Ferox for yours too but then I started to wonder if perhaps there were other Nowickia species it could be, so I just put Nowickia to be safe.

[Dillybythesea]

Thanks again. Sounds as though we all go down the same route then! And what Matt says >

A "Tachina fera lookalike" with all black legs, no dusting on the abdomen and a "black and orange" colour pattern make this one Nowickia ferox <

seems to fit mine, too. (Presuming that 'dusting' would be obvious pale patches, and orange means yellow?)

(Quite a striking fly, isn't it - but one-at-a-time's enough - I wouldn't want a dozen in the bathroom, say!)

[JRsbugs]

Nowickia ferox is the only one we have which looks like that. One I haven't seen!

[Dillybythesea]

Well that's conclusive! Thanks Janet! I shall send Matt the details. Rhona

[Matt Smith]

This is Nowickia. As well as the black legs and no dusting, another area to check depending on the angle of your photos are the antennae. In Tachina fera only the tips of last segment of the antennae are black, the rest or the antennae are brown/orange. With Nowickia the antennae are black all over.

[Dillybythesea]

Thanks Matt. Another useful tip! Appreciated - Rhona

[Anzu]

Cool Thank you for the info guys

Yeah, I certainly wouldn't want a dozen in the bathroom, they certainly are a bit creepy looking. But for some reason I am more fascinated by the insects that creep me out a bit