Learn about flies

Hi, 

Complete beginner here but I was hoping to get an ID for these flies I found on an old tree stump in a marshy area in York. The best I can do is that they are Clusiodes but beyond that I am a bit stuck. It may be that without specimens that's the best I can do. Following Mike's insect keys I get Clusiodes albimanus due to the three orbital bristles but I'm not entirely convinced. Any ideas welcome!

Hi,

Just been keying out a box of Empids, one is causing a bit of difficulty. I'm using Mike Hackston's key, which is essentially an update of Collin (https://sites.google.com/view/mikes-insect-keys/mikes-insect-keys/keys-for-the-identification-of-british-true-flies-diptera/keys-for-the-identification-of-british-empididae).

Hi,

Would anyone like to identify this species?

Seen at Barton on Sea, Hampshire.

Thanks,

Dave

Hi - I think this is Terellia tussilaginis - but would be grateful if someone could confirm (I am not sure it there are any very similar species).

Insect was on Burdock near the River Stour in Merley, Dorset yesterday.

many thanks

Nick

Hi - Can anyone help me pin down this ichneumon-like syrphid - the nearest thing I have found is Chalcosyrphus but that seems unrecorded from here. 

 It was collected in Kelso, Scottish Borders 21st June, 2025.

I think this is Volucella inflata? Can anyone confirm? Many thanks. Photo was taken in Northmead Copse, Poole, Dorset on 9 June 2025.

Nick Woods

Please could someone tell me where I can find Mark Mitchell's key to Lauxaniidae?

I have a Calliopum that is evading identification. I believe it's a female, though it has a thin, bifid sternal projection that's puzzling me. I'll dissect it, but some decent diagrams or any extra information would help.

Can anyone identify this small fly for me please? Found in Norwich a couple of days ago. It's about 5mm long. I tried ObsIdentify but it kept saying it was Tachypeza nubila which I’m not sure is right. I'm sorry the photos are so bad - it was very mobile despite being kept in the fridge overnight. More information in the alt text and I can try and post higher resolution photos if necessary. Many thanks.

Hello!

I'm fairly new to diptera id, and have found the forum's intro to families key really useful. However I sometimes fall at the first hurdle of differentiating calyptrates and acalyptrates. I would love some general tips if anyone has any. I've also attached a photo of one of my classic confusions: does this count as a cleft in the 2nd antennal segment?! 

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you! 

George