Id at last
7th August 2010, SaturdayYesterday while searching through a patch of Hogweed I came across for the second time this year this distinctive fly. The first time was in May when it frustratingly flew away before I could get a picture, despite searching through books and giving Chris what was probably a naff discription it remained a mystery. So I was pleased to find out this morning from Chris that the fly is a male Phasia hemiptera. The female of this species like most tachinid flies lays her eggs on other insects, in this case the host could be a Green Sheild Bug (pictured below), this of course ends badly for the host as they are gradually eaten away by the developing larvae inside them.
The stunning male Phasia hemiptera
Side view showing the bright orange hairs on the thorax.
