Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Tachinidae for ID, C Spain --> Estheria cristata

Posted by Piluca_Alvarez on 28-06-2014 17:34
#1

Found in Madrid mountains on 17.06.2014. Feeding on Umbelliferae by the road. Can it be some kind of Dexiinae? Thanks for whatever help!! :) :)

Edited by Piluca_Alvarez on 30-06-2014 21:49

Posted by Piluca_Alvarez on 28-06-2014 17:34
#2

Another view.

Posted by Piluca_Alvarez on 28-06-2014 17:35
#3

And the last one.

Posted by ValerioW on 28-06-2014 17:57
#4

It resembles much Microphthalma europaea (I found some of them not much time ago, and cannot forget that very long face) . But can't negate that for being in tribe Megaprosopini m's appendix seems short... this turns me to Estheria sp.

Edited by ValerioW on 28-06-2014 18:28

Posted by Piluca_Alvarez on 28-06-2014 18:30
#5

Thanks a lot for your input, Valerio! :)

I always get very confused with Tachinids :( I directly ruled out Microphthalma and its relatives precisely by the shape of median vein (they have median vein with a shape closer to Linnaemya; my fly has median vein closer to Dinera but the whole fly doesn't look convincing enough to me for Dinera).

The only Megaprosopini I know is the Microphthalma. It looks to me its head has a more triangular shape in lateral view than my fly, I think. But too many Tachinids I don't know ;) It well might be another member of that tribus :)

Another possibility I thought is Estheria. Some have venation and general looks rather similar to this one. What do you think of this suggestion?

Edited by Piluca_Alvarez on 28-06-2014 18:30

Posted by ValerioW on 28-06-2014 18:33
#6

I think that Estheria suggestion is very good, and I found it likely too (I was checking descriptions after the first reply, and so modified it)! That m appendix looks really short for the tribe of Microphthalma

Posted by Piluca_Alvarez on 28-06-2014 18:44
#7

Thanks a lot again, Valerio!! :)

Yes, I noticed your comment about the shape of median vein ;) But I had no idea if it was only for Microphthalma or for the whole tribus. It is clear to me now! :) Thanks a lot for the clarification too!! :)

And I am very glad you agree with Estheria as a good possibility ;) I am extremely interested in knowing at least the genus of this fly and I have been struggling with it for days. Sadly, I have no information enough for confirming by myself :( I always need your help, you experts ;) ;) ;)

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 28-06-2014 22:45
#8

Estheria sp. No way to be a Microphthalma.

Edited by jorgemotalmeida on 28-06-2014 22:45

Posted by Zeegers on 29-06-2014 08:33
#9

That is correct. It is Estheria cristata (red scutellum, very short petiole).


Theo

Posted by Piluca_Alvarez on 30-06-2014 21:48
#10

Jorge, thanks a lot for confirming the genus ;)

And Theo, thanks a lot for the species. I didn't expect to be so lucky as to reach species level!! :D

Posted by Zeegers on 01-07-2014 17:58
#11

Well, at home Estheria is the favorite genus of all, since my wife is Esther.

Theo