---

After the confusion of the last few posts, with a cyclone of Tachinidae, Muscidae, Anthomyiidae and Rhinophoridae whirling round my head, I'm not even going to try and get the two flies I photographed this morning into families. It's over to you! Number one, about 4 mm long, photographed in open countryside near Rome, Italy.



Thanks, Sarah

PS... well, perhaps I will have a little try: Tachinidae?

---

Looks like a Siphona sp. but no idea which

---

Siphona "don't know which one" is no doubt the most common species.
This one is interesting: the epaulette are quite black and the third antennal segment is strongly broadened, suggesting either S. boreata or S. hokkaidensis.

Theo Zeegers

---

Thanks guys. That means I got the Tachinidae bit right at least! Sarah.

---

The proboscis is very characteristic for Siphona (as genus it is highly typical), so next time you will know Siphona as well.
Moreover, they are very common, for instance on yellow Compositae.

Theo

---

Thanks Theo, it's always great to know what to look for, Sarah.