That looks right, Antony. We get there in the end. Yes, it is now, I understand, denticulatum.

Howard.

Photo

The very long tubercles on the scutellum suggest that this is Elachiptera tuberculifera. Draft keys are available from John and Barbara Ismay (see Recording/Chloropid Study Group).

Thanks, Tony. The scutellar tubercles are impressive. I have emailed John and Barbara.

Wing of possible C. pulicaris

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The bottom specimen might be pulicaris, but there is a general feeling among the ceratopogonid experts that not all specimens can be distinguished from their wing markings. This may be one of those indeterminate specimens.

I posted an incorrect reply that I do not know how to delete

Hi Ali,

Thank you very much for going to so much trouble. I have compared your photos with by fly and am convinced they are of the same species: pattern of leg colouration, thoracic dusting and bristles, and many other details. I cannot find any photos of H. pubescens on-line or anywhere else. Perhaps there is someone who can help. I note that pubescens is an uncommon species.

Martin

Thanks, Tony. So are the two punctatus ok to record or do these also fall in this indeterminate category?

I reckon you're OK to record the top two as punctatus.

Thanks, Tony

Could it be a Heleomyzid? Colours seem to suggest that. Any spines along the costa?

Thanks, Howard. I'm coming down to Heteromyza rotundicornis.  The basal antennal segment is indeed rotund, the costal cell is very large, no subcosta evident, head, thorax and abdominal colours seem appropriate.  I'm seeking a copy of the newish key from Ian for confirmation.  Meanwhile, two more pictures.

Anthony

I think that's right, Anthony, though I can't be certain from the pictures.

The wavy mediastinal vein is present in a number of genera. There are other characters (not visible in this photo) which will indicate the genus. Having said that, Mydaea often have a more shiny appearance than related genera, and this one seems to fit that. In which case, it's most  likely to be Mydaea corni - based on colour and the presence of two pairs of pre-scutellar bristles.

That's what gives me cause to recheck, Martin! I'll have another look at it tonight

Cheers

Ali

Many thanks Tony!

Jim