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This small diptera (5-6 mm) was obviously behaving as a parasite waiting for its chance in the middle of a nest aggragation of Bembix rostrata. Hence I deduced it should be a Miltogramma sp (Sarcophagidae) Is that correct, and can anyone go further on the basis of the observation ?
There were several individuals around.
Glandage (Dr?me, France) August 11 2007
Thanks for your attention
Philippe

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Yes, Miltogramma with little doubt, but beyond that is for me too difficult! :(
Greetings,

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yes! Miltogramma. ;)

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How can you be so sure ?
It's Miltogramminae al right,
but we can't see present / absence of vibrissae.
Could be Pterella as well.

Liekele might know

Theo

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the patches in abdomen, the white frons points to Miltogramma?
I know that in Miltogramma vibrissae should be present. (they are small, though)

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Well, if that was the argument, I repeat:

Could be Pterella as well

Theo

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Does its biology (Bembix parasitoid) help with the ID ?

Philippe

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Ehhh, yes, in my previous answer, one should read Miltogramminae, instead of Miltogramma! :D
Greetings

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thanks, Theo. This shows that I know nothing about genus of Miltogramminae. (almost)

Gerard, what a difference! :P

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I agree with Miltogramminae. But it is not Miltogramma.

In Miltogramma frontal vita is yellow-reddish, often yellow or golden dusted, never dark.
The shape of the body is not miltogramma-like.
Most Miltogramma have solitary bees as a host.

I think this is most likely Senotainia albifrons.
S. albifrons is in the Netherlands often reported near nests of Bembix rostrata.

Liekele