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This was my first fly of the New Year, taken in the rain (!) on New Year's Day. I'm not at all sure of the family. One thing I've noticed in general looking at the illustrations in books or on the Web, it is quite rare to see profiles of the various families, whereas it seems to me that the profile and the posture of the fly is often the most diagnostic feature, at least for a beginner like me.


Rome, Italy - 5/7 mm

Thanks, Sarah

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Hi Sarah,

I would say Hybotidae. Maybe Paul can say more about it?

Jan Willem

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A typical representative of the genus Platypalpus of the family Hybotidae. Swollen femora on fore and mid legs (more so on the mid legs), mid tibiae usually with distinct long spur, mouth parts projecting. Mostly found on leaves (herbs, shrubs, trees), sometimes tree trunks or other surfaces. They are predators on small arthropods. Larvae are terrestrial and also live as predators.

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That's interesting, this fly's behaviour was certainly very predatory. I hope to find it again in better weather and get a better picture. Thanks to you both and above all for the "diagnostic" information. Sarah