Posted by
Zeegers on 30-09-2006 13:09
#2
Well, in terms of Tachinidae this one is 'very different' from Exorista.
The topcell is closed, to name an obvious difference.
But I know that we the Calyptratae-lovers have an unusual definition of different and similar.
Anyway, the picture displays a Phyto, which is a member of the Rhinophoridae family (which, even according to me, is quite similar to Tachinidae).
Most likely Ph. melanocephala
Greetings
Theo
Posted by
Zeegers on 01-10-2006 18:35
#4
Well, as I stated, even to me Tachinidae and Rhinophoridae are very similar. Most Phasiinae (Tachinidae) look less like an ordinary Tachinidae than any Rhinophoridae.
I can explain the difference. Beware, however, that this is formal.
In practice, one first recognizes the genus and then knows that it is therefore in Rhinophoridae. There are only some 10 genera of Rhinophoridae and most genera are quite easy to recognize.
The only 'real' difference is the following:
* Rhinophoridae are parasites of woodlice (Isopoda)
* Tachinidae of anything except woodlice.
This feature (the only without exception) is of course highly unpractical.
The shape of the posterior spiracle is rather peculiar in Rhinophoridae, but you need 40 X magnification and some experience.
In the field the traditional feature is still the most practical:
in Rhinophorids, the thoracic squama is small and divergent from the thorax (so, more like Scatophagidae / Acalyptratae)
In Tachinidae, the thoracic squama is large and strongly following the thorax (like in typical Calyptratae as blowflies and so on).
Beware, there are exceptions to this rule (like Macquartia and some Phasiinae have small squama).
In Tachinidae, the postscutellum (a cushion-like feature below, not behind, the scutellum) is strongly swollen, not to say inflated.
In Rhinophoridae, it is hardly / slightly swollen.
I would see, wait for the english translation of Oosterbroek et al. (key to families of Diptera), and all will become clear.
Now a cardiologist, and you are ready to go again.
Sorry
Theo
Posted by
Zeegers on 03-10-2006 17:41
#10
De Europese families van muggen en vliegen (Diptera).
not sure about the name of the upcoming translation.
Publisher:
KNNVuitgever, www.knnvuitgeverij.nl
I will ask about the time skedule
. Theo, you've broken my heart. Don't suppose you feel like explaining the differences between a Tachinidae and a Rhinophoridae? Sarah. 
, Sarah. 
Lovely and clear as winter fog.