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Help with identifications, field craft and other topics relating to Diptera
Pherbellia ventralis on carrion
Three times this year already, and once a year or so ago, I have taken Pherbellia ventralis from different Roe Deer corpses at the same time as taking multiple specimens of the Heleomyzid Neoleria ruficauda. These have all been within conifer plantation on lowland heath. The basic appearance of the two is superficially very similar and only under the microscope have I discovered the Sciomyzid interlopers. Presumably the similarity is coincidence, but what is the Pherbellia doing on the corpse?
Pherbellia ventralis
Acalypterate identification help please
I would welcome help with identification of this small acalypterate, which emerged from decaying horse chestnut wood. The most striking features are the shape of the wings, with almost square ends, and the lack of bristles on the frons apart from one front-orbital.
Tephritid - possibly new to Somerset
I am currently sorting the contents of a malaise trap that was deployed for just over two months last summer at Shapwick NNR in Somerset. One of the flies I have found is a tephritid that seems to key to Euleia rotundiventris and David Clements has said that the photograph looks good to him. As it is so rare or under recorded nationally, I would like further confirmation if possible. In particular, it looks quite pale compared to photographs I have seen of this species.
Posting ID requests
How do I add attach pictures to an ID request please?