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Hello,
is it possible to get an ID for this Ephydridae?
Sighted on 01.09.2018 in Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia in the garden. Body-size approximately 5 mm
Greetings
Bernd

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I think Paracoenia fumosa.

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Hi Tony,
that was my first opinion too. But aren't 5 mm too large for Paracoenia fumosa?

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P. beckeri is said to be slightly larger than fumosa, but the distinction ("approximately 5mm" vs. "usually less than 4mm" ) is marginal. The colour of the dorsum is more reliable, I think. (beckeri - grayish blue to light brown, dull; fumosa - darker, bluish-olive green to greenish-gray; subshining dorsally)

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I think you're right, but I don't see a difference of about 1 mm in body size as marginal. That's 20% or 25%. However, I have no idea how large the variation in size can be. Thank you for your help.
Greetings
Bernd

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When measuring body size, it's important to consider what specimens have been measured previously. Dried, pinned specimens will (usually) have abdomens that are shorter than fresh specimens or those in alcohol. In the end, if you're not sure, dissect a male - that (usually) gives a clear result!