Unidentified fly, St. Paul Island, Alaska - Scathophaga crinita

species ID

How was the species ID made? What key was used for Scathophaga? Thanks!

… Derek Sikes, 14 October, 2014 - 2:42pm

James (1950)

"The glossy black femora and the shortened front tarsi distinctly characterize this species... In typical males, the abdomen is covered with dense, furry, crinkly, yellow pile; this is the hairiest species discussed in this paper."(1)

In general it is not possible to key Scathophaga from photographs. The flies I identified are otherwise from the East, where the two common species are easily distinguished from each other by color.

… John F. Carr, 14 October, 2014 - 3:00pm

It figures

you have the only other shot on here of one. :) Nice details you were able to get.

… Ashley Bradford, 14 October, 2014 - 1:50pm

Moved

Moved from Scathophaga.

… John F. Carr, 12 October, 2014 - 9:24pm

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… John F. Carr, 23 September, 2012 - 6:43pm

scatophagid?

… v belov, 16 September, 2012 - 5:40pm

Scathophaga sp.

… Derek Sikes, 16 September, 2012 - 5:48pm