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Hi,

Can anyone assist with an Id for this fly taken 4th September 2006, in Surrey Southern England, it was in a Sunny position on Solidago canadensis (Goldenrod).

I have gone through the gallery and the best match I can see is a Empididae sp. but not sure which one. Although I am usually wrong when I do this.


Regards Chas

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Empididae is correct.
I think Rhamphomyia.

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Hi Nikita,

Thanks for the quick response, the little information I can find on
Rhamphomyia, made me think that perhaps the proboscis was a bit long so I had ruled that out. Rhamphomyia sp. it shall be.


Regards Chas

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There usually is only one similar species of Rhamphomyia about at that time of year: R. variabilis.

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I agree that this is Rhamphomyia variabilis. Its often common in the Autumn and rather oddly, in Britain it is most abundant in coastal localities

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My impression was that it was mainly found on localities with sandy soils. Does this correspond with coastal localities for you?

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Thanks to all for the Id and info, these pictures were taken aprox 60Km from the coast, the main soil type around the area is mixed but just behind the garden is an old gravel/sand pit that has been developed into houses so guess that there probably is still a sandy make up although my garden is generally clay.


Chas