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This fits well to P.subcoleoptrata. However it wold be good to have confirmation from specialists, if possible. (North-west Russia, Kivach nature reserve; 2.06.2009, meadow-forest margin, on Anthriscus sylvestris flovers).

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Another image.

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It's an interesting specimen but it doesn't look exactly like the Phasia subcoleoptera that I photographed in the Moscow museum in the summer - see here. However, I remember noting that it seemed a quite variable species - the males did have different wing patternation. Which keys are you using to identify it? :)

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Tschorsnig & Herting The Tachinids (Diptera: Tachinidae) of Central Europe: ... and Bei-Bienko 1970 give same result. (No bristles outside frontal row, four black strips on mesonotum, spotted wing in male). There is photo in the gallery http://diptera.in...to_id=4522 with more or less similar wing pattern but yellowish abdomen.

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Sounds like you have done everything needed to confirm the determination ... and the distribution seems fine too, if JariF has seen them in Finland and there were plenty in the Moscow museum :) It's a nice fly - I wish I could find them! :) As for the yellowing colouration on Jari's specimen - it might just me a reflection from his lights making the abdomen look lighter than it really is - the specimens I have seen were all quite dark.

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Thank you Chris. So do you think I can remove question mark from the title?

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I think so ... I have not much experience of that species but it keys well in 2 keys ... it doesn't look like any of the alternative 'big' species (aurulans etc) ... and I can't think of anything else it could be :) Theo Zeegers, neprisikiski and Jaakko would be able to confirm it beyond doubt, I'm sure :)

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Hi,

nothing to do with lights. The abdomen of my fly is yellow.

Jari

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Unless there is something very similar in the east, this is undoubtedly S. subcoleoptrata male. As in other Phasia, sizes, shapes, wing-patterns and colors vary. This one looks like it has been swimming in some liquids that might influence the color of the abdomen?

In Finland this species occurs early in the spring in sandy areas; most specimens I've seen are from warm pine ridges or sand pits. Obviously it can be numerous in good locations (almost 30 exx from one malaise trap). I haven't collected any specimens myself yet, although trying quite hard to find the species. If I understand right, this species is deemed extinct from Sweden.

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Yes Jaakko, you are right, this specimen was in alcohol for some time. Evidently some necessary information (date, locality) was missing, I fixed it in the first message. Many thanks to all for your help.

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I was on holiday, but anyway, I never caught this species myself. It is very variable and it cannot be anything else than subcoleoptrata.


Theo