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Dear dipterists,

Can anyone identify this large and spectacular asilid photographed near Cape St. Vincent (Cabo Sao Vicente) at the south-western tip of Portugal?

Several were seen during a week in this area in very open sandy or stony coastal grasslands. This photograph was taken at 37? 03.047'N 008? 58.533'W on 29th October 2006 in one of the valleys above Praia de Telheiro.

My thanks,

Mark Telfer
Bedfordshire, England

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Hello Mark,
My guess would be Asilus barbarus.
I just returned from Portugal myself, and I've been around at Cape St. Vincent the same day as you! (Oct. 29). Apparently I was too busy watching birds to notice any of these flies...
Best wishes,
Menno Reemer

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Hello Mark,

I agree with Menno that this is Asilus barbarus. Is this an ant beneath the fly's hind left femur?

Greetings, Danny

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Thanks Menno and Danny for your determinations.

The ants were pestering the Asilus. I only noticed it because the Asilus kept making short flights to land in new positions to get away from the ants, and I had to relocate it in the telescope each time.

Cheers,

Mark Telfer