---

Hello All,

Can anyone help me Id this fly please ? My first attempt is Dioctria linearis but it does not have yellow hind legs. Can anyone suggest another possible Id ? and tell me why?

Regards Chas

---

Sorry I should have said the picture was taken this evening in my Garden in Surrey Southern England, and the fly is approx 15mm long and was resting on Hawthorn (Crateagus spp) in the hedge.

Thanks Chas

---

Hi Chas.
I never work with Asilidae yet. But I tryed with different key which you surely have not (Diptera of European Russia (I think you used "Soldgerflies and allies of British isl";), which I have, but not now).
I can tell you that I've got same result as you. My key do not ask (and do not give) hind leg colour at all.
But my key led to D.linearis both in case if mesotonum all black (as in your photo) and as well if mesotonum with red spots. So, the colour may be rather different.
The main pattern of D.linearis - 1-st segment of hind tarsus is as wide as t3 top is clearly visible at your photo.
So, at your place I'd say Dioctra linearis.
Nikita

---

Thankyou Nikita

It is nice to get one right occasionally and you are correct i was using the British Soldierflies, and thanks also for the extra info which is always good to have and try to learn from


Thanks again

Regards Chas