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The attached photograph was taken on 27/07/07 in South east England. I have tentively identified it as Sturmia bella, but would be grateful for an expert ID

Many thanks

Gordon

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It might be, but I can't see enough of it (calyptra, tibia 3, tergites) to make even an educated guess. Sorry.
Tachinids are not so simple to ID, after all..

Theo Zeegers

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Thankyou Theo.

I'll put it in the 'Failed again to photograph from the correct angle file'. The largest file I have.

Regards
Gordon

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Well, nobody (as least not me) said it was easy.
In many cases, we (I) need more than 1 angle to ID a Tachinid.
If it had stretched out its left tibia 3, this pic would have been OK.
But alas, it didn't.
In my cases a lateral shot is more important than a dorsal.
I can see a lot in a head's profile, as long as western European species are concerned.

Till next time

Theo