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Hello Forum,

the attached insect I photographed on May 17th 2007 in an alder marshland in Hagen (Germany). The location is about 175 above see level.

The fly was on the lower side of a stem piece of alder lying on the ground. So, before turning the woody piece, the insect was most likely in a "dark wet chamber".

Is it right that it belongs to the Xylophagidae - perhaps Xylophagus ater?

Thank you for helping me,

Josef

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I think it is a teneral specimen of Rhagio, most likely R. scolopaceus (Rhagionidae).

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Thank you very much for your quick ansering. Since I am by far no specialist for diptera - I am at home with plants - it is not surprising for me, that I was totally wrong with my initial estimation.

Since looking into the species shown under Rhagionidae, however, a further question arises for me i.e.: What arguments are against Chrysopilus asiliformis?

Sincerely
Josef

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Against: The general shape of the head (somewhat larger mouthparts, for example), the general posture (like the way the legs are held) and the fact that there appears to be some indication of markings in the wings (for example along the crossveins, as is customary for, e.g., scolopaceus).

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What argements are for C. asiliformis? ;)

The wing pattern of darkened wing tip and crossveins is typical for a few Rhagio species, chiefly R. scolopaceus in northern and central Europe. The pattern isn't too well visible is you photograph (diffuse dark spots against a dark backgroud), but it is there.

Rhagionids seem to darken very fast after hatching, so this still pale fly must have hatched minute s before you found it!

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Hello Paul, hello Kahis,

thank you very much. Your arguments are really overwhelming to me.

I beg your pardon for having doubts in your expert opinion, Paul.

Because there are a lot of problems remaining for the area I observe, I hope you - and the members - will answer my layman future;):(:( questions.

Best regards
Josef