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This I tentatively classify as a Muscidae. Photographed this morning in a pinewood near Rome, Italy. About 4 mm long.



Thanks, Sarah.

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I had rather say Lauxaniidae.
Nikita

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Yes, Pseudolyciella sp.

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Thanks! Can anyone give me some "simple" guidelines on distinguishing a Lauxaniidae from a Muscidae? Sarah.

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Hi Sarah
"Simple" guidelines?
Muscidae and the other calypterate families have a complete thoracic suture - a groove running across the thorax in front of the wing bases. Lauxaniidae and the other acalypterate families have vague grooves at the sides of the thorax, but they do not meet on top.
Compare http://www.dipter...oto_id=619 to http://www.dipter...oto_id=609.
Also look at the tibiae. Muscidae usually have lots of bristles on the tibiae. Lauxaniidae have very few.

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That's great Tony! Just hope I'll be able to apply it in the field! Sarah.

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For live flies -
Muscidae will sit, then fly off or run and skip away quickly when you approach.
Lauxaniidae will either fly off (usually to a nearby leaf) or will walk quite slowly - they often look as though they have little energy!

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That's a great added piece of information. I notice very great differences in behaviour, but to be honest I'd never really thought of it as a help to identification. Sarah.