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Today I saw a rather small fly (say 5 - 6 mm), which might be a Tachinid, but if so a rather atypical one! I always associate strong bristles with Tachinids, and this fly had bristels - enough of them to think about Tachinidae. But I doubt it is, because it wings are coloured like that of a beefly - not too typical of Tachinids, I feel. Also its behaviour was not very much like a Tachinid. It ran on a bare patch (sand, over clay) in grassland. It fluttered its wings (not shivering, much lower frequency), and inspected isolated plant stems entering the sand. I even thought to see some egg laying, but this is only conjectural. The fly was black with bronze metallic reflections. Because of its agitated behaviour I only managed to take some mediocre shots, but I guess these must suffice! Amstelveen, the Netherlands.

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second photograph

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and a final third one

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hi,

i'm not in diptera but from what i have learn/seen here this is from Rhinophoridae family.
check the gallery maybe...

hope this helps you,
cosmln

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Tachinidae - Wagneriini (tribe)

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Excellent ID by Jorge.

Given the locality (my country gives me a headstart) and time of year, I know this is Perscepsia carbonaria. Excellent observation, Cor !

Theo

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Thanks both! I just 'knew' Theo would know it!

Can anything be said about this fly's behaviour? Is it indeed a female? And does she lay eggs where plants enter the ground? My observation was suggestive, but... Where do the larvae live from? All these issues make observing more interesting! But are there answers??