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This from a wetland reserve in Yorkshire, UK last week seems obvious, but I am failing even to get it to family, so any pointers gratefully received. 3mm wing length, with a costal break at sc and a possible break at humeral as well (though not so obvious). Antennae are pubescent/short plumose.

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Abdomen

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Frons

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Dorsum

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Wing

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Muscidae? Schoenomyza litorella?
https://diptera.info/photogallery.php?photo_id=2352

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Thanks, John and Nini...that certainly looks good. I had run it through the muscid key, but didn't get to Schoenomyza....I'll give it another go.

Thanks again

Ian

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Schoenomyza is distinguished from most or all other Holarctic Muscidae by the combination of 1+3 dorsocentrals and frons clearly broader than long.

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The un-muscid like appearance regularly leads to Schoenomyza being submitted to me as an ephydrid, particularly the male with its bright golden face.

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Thanks, John...very useful.

Ian

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Glad to say I had not gone down the Ephydrid route, but it had got me scratching my head. A useful one to get sorted.

Thanks, Tony

Ian

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I remember what Schoenomyza litorella looks like from last year. I found one at a local park. Tony identified it for me. I think that it is unforgettable. I remember that it is a lovely fly. The female that i had encountered was walking all around a leaf looking at me. I never memorize details from a photo, i need a specimen. I learn from examining a specimen. However, this one is easy to remember.

I just want to point out that Tony also helped me identify it. I use question marks because i don't have a specimen to compare.

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excellent post, John. very good info.