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Diptera.info :: Identification queries :: Diptera (adults)
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bugie
#1 Print Post
Posted on 23-04-2006 14:19
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Hello,
I'm starting to learn about insects and found myself confused between
the Asiliade, Syrphidae, Bombyliidae, Therevidae, and Stratiomyidae.
They may all be similar in a way of having a bee like appearance. Who do you distinguish each separetly? Thank you! Smile
 
ChrisR
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Posted on 24-04-2006 10:12
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Location: Reading, England
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Like most insects, an expert can distinguish different families on sight just by the 'look' or by knowing a particular feature that is characteristic of the group. However, for a beginner I would recommend starting with a good key to fly families (I used "A key to the Families of British Diptera" by D.M. Unwin). Also, join local entomology groups and go out in the field with experts - and watch forums like this to pick up tips and expert advice. Smile

Insects in groups like Diptera and Hymenoptera are usually keyed out using microscopes because the features that distinguish one group from another are very small. I only say this because you have to be ready to catch insects and take specimens if you are interested in identifying them accurately. If you don't have to be accurate 100% of the time then photographs are fun - you just have to accept that a lot of the time you will only get simple identifications to family or genus, not species. Wink

Hmm, I just realised I didn't actually answer your question ... but I am sure there are some 'Larger Brachycera' experts out there who can. My understanding is that in the groups you mentioned the wing-venation can be very diagnostic but it would probably need diagrams to show you exactly what to look for Grin
 
http://tachinidae.org.uk
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23.06.25 18:10
If you have some spare money, there is a copy (together with keys to pupae and larvae) for sale by Hermann L. Strack, Loguivy Plougras, France

23.06.25 11:18
Appreciate it, Tony Irwin! I got the hint to use the key next to Langton and Pinder key for females of Chironomidae. So no specific queries, except the keys... I will keep this on my list and hope th

19.06.25 15:33
I have the hard copy book, if you have any specific queries, but I'm not scanning the 500+ pages!

02.06.25 18:26
Anyone has "Chironomidae of the Holarctic region. Keys and diagnoses. Part 3. Adult Males Entomologica Scandinavica Supplement 34"? smolwaarneming@gma
il.com

28.05.25 20:57
I have Russian Coenosia. nikita6510@ya.ru

28.05.25 12:25
Is someone able to share with me "A key to the Russian species of the genus Coenosia"?

08.05.25 18:22
I have

03.05.25 08:35
Does someone has a scan of Nartshuk E.P. 2003. Key to families of Diptera (Insecta) of the fauna of Russian and adjacent countries. Proceedings of the Zoological Institute Vol. 294: 1-252 for me?

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