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Hi,

I found this tachinid in Barcelos (Portugal). I'm having trouble identifying it.

date: 26/04/2019
size: around 3 mm

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There are some very small hairs on the parafacial, right ?

I am thinking some Blondeliini like Erynniopsis.

Note that it is a male with 2 proclinate orbital bristles (pretty rare feature)

Theo

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Thank you Theo. There are a few hairs below lowest frontal bristle (see picture). The information I have is that in Erynniopsis the tergites 3 and 4 have discal bristles, which does not seem to be the case in this specimen. Very confusing fly to me!

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Let’s go a step back. are we very sure it is Tachinidae ?

Many features, such as the reddish metatarsi, remind me of Oebalia minuta (Sarcophagidae). Please check the postscutellum.

Theo

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I think you are absolutely right, Theo! I was so convinced that it was a tachinid that I didn't even think of Sarcophagidae. This was a great lesson, thank you!

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Well, that explains a lot.
The red hind metatarsus is a big clue in this species, though it is not always prominent.

Please change the title in something with 'Oebalia minuta' so that we can trace it later

Theo

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Also please submit to gallery.

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Thank you Theo, I'll try not to forget that clue. Title changed.

Hi John, there are already two excellent photos of this species in the gallery (mine are not very good). If you still think it's worth submitting, please tell me which photos you think are the most useful.

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Thank you, sir !

Theo

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I suggest the first photo for the gallery. The fly looks blacker than the photos already in the gallery.

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First photo submitted for the gallery. :)