---

Thank You very much, Ben :)

I tried to key it using the only keys available from Ian White. I also compared the photos to the photos at your website - which, by the way, is most helpful for Tephritidae. I see the genal setae and the strong bristles at the mouth-edge in my macro photos. See attached photo.

I also notice that the wing pattern of the female is different than most drawings, which resemble the wing of the male. I also notice that the female has an extra frontal bristle on the right side of her head. The frontals are also visible in the attachment.

I am not a botanist, so i do not know the id of the plant that they were both visiting a few feet apart. Maybe someone can recognize the plant? I will attach a photo of the plant after this post. I assume it to be some sort of Thistle but my Wife thinks that it is not a Thistle. I say "well, what the hell do i know?" Maybe it is an alien plant from Mars :)

do you recommend a dna test for clarity if this is an aggregation of species?

Anyway, I truly appreciate your time and expertise, Ben. I hope that you have a pleasant day.