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Continuing my exploration of the world of the Italian diptera, here are a couple more still without a name. The first is (I think) a Bombylius, but I'm not sure which.



Is the second a Syrphidae?



Thanks for your help , Sarah

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Hi Sarah,


The second one is a female Stomorhina lunata, in (you won't believe it!) the family Calliphoridae.
No doubt quite common in Italy in late summer


Theo Zeegers

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Yes, they are quite common, but I confess I just hadn't imagined them as a Calliphoridae. Will I ever get the hang of these families??? Sarah (in desperation)

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Do not despare: I think there are few dipterists who would ever group them together with the other Calliphoridae at first glance.

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Thanks Paul, it's good to know I'm at least not alone in my confusion! Can anyone help me narrow the Bombylius down? I've tentatively identified it as B. major, but as always with great doubts without your collective confirmation! Sarah

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I have no experience with mediterranean bombyliids, but it certainly does not appear to be B. major: that species has a clear dark anterior part of the wing, not visible in this picture.

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OK, thanks Paul. I'll try and find out more about local species and if I get any ideas, I'll try it out on you to see what you think, Sarah