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Mentioned by Tony "identification and distribution from Mike Ackland's excellent CD of British anthomyid keys", could you tell me where it is possible to order, please?
Nikita

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Hi Nikita
D.M. (Mike) Ackland has produced a CD of Word97 files (so they should be easily read on most PCs). The CD is entitled "British Anthomyiidae" and is available directly from Mike.
His address is 5 Pond End, Pymore, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5SB, England.
His e-mail address is
There is a charge to cover postage and packing.
I suggest you e-mail Mike to ask how much you should send (and by what method).
Although the species covered are primarily British, the keys and drawings are applicable to much of the Europaean fauna, and I am sure will be a great help to many dipterists. For a long while I neglected the Anthomyiidae, because I felt they were too difficult. Now I'm having great fun, and make a point of collecting them whenever I can! The males are, of course, much easier than the females, and not all the females can be done using Mike's keys, but by collecting females in cop. or in association, we may all be able to help produce better keys for the future. :)

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Thank you Tony.
I'm thinking more and more about Anthomyiidae too. My recent experience from this site (ID of Phoridae by Mario or Sphaeroceridae by Dr.Rohacek) show - there are not "dead" families, there are famylies without real Expert yet.
Nikita

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Nikita

I've had Mike Acland's Antho key for about 6 months now, but I must admit I'm still scared stiff by it (couplet choices of 4 lines long each - eek - I can't hold that much information in my brain at one time):o. I really, really need to practice with it, but just haven't been able to find the time lately.

I know he will be delighted that someone is taking an interest in the little blighters - they are sadly neglected, and I feel guilty about not putting more work in with them.