Flesh Fly..... - BugGuide.Net

Yes, it's a flesh fly.

I can't tell you more than that, but an expert possibly can. I do know that obtaining fly IDs to genus or species can be very difficult. A series of photos can help your cause. These include something clearly showing wing veins (venation), a view from above, a view from the side, face from the front and, in the case of flesh flies, a view from the rear.

That's a lot to ask for, and flies aren't notoriously cooperative. That said, some of them are very distinctive, so sometimes even one less-than-perfect photo can win an ID.

… Ron Hemberger, 1 November, 2008 - 6:34pm

Maybe Sarcophaga

This is all new to me also, so I'll take a swat at it... take a look at these... http://bugguide.net/node/view/177417

I'm a photographer at best but have a look.

… Rick Shackleton, 1 November, 2008 - 8:10pm

Close, but notice that stripes on thorax are different.

Those here tend to converge, while the others are parallel. An expert like Eric can often get these to genus. Sometimes, a "tail light" photo like so can help:

BTW, the three "racing stripes" are an important characteristic of this family, as is eye color.

Oh, and Rick, don't talk about taking a swat in the context of flies. There are sensitive souls among us. LOL!

… Ron Hemberger, 1 November, 2008 - 8:21pm

Thanks. I really know nothin

Thanks. I really know nothing about flies, but at lesat I know what kind of shots to get for a more distinctive ID. Thanks again!!

… Jason Wagner, 1 November, 2008 - 6:58pm

My pleasure, Jason

Info would be similar for bees and wasps. Let me know if you're interested in any other kind of insects, and I'll see what I have.

… Ron Hemberger, 1 November, 2008 - 8:06pm