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Hello!

I think this fly is Sarcophagidae, but I don't know which one. A long time ago "we" used to call these flies S. canaria, probably incorrectly... Has the name been changed and is it the same fly?

Found on tansy in the garden, Mid-Essex, July 2011

Thanks

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It is a Sarcophagid. It has a carnaria look to it but there are a number of similar species that require genitalic examination to get to species.

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Yes, without examining the male genitalia it's impossible to say more than "Sarcophaga" on this one I think :)

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Thank you, Gentlemen.

Next time I shoot these flies I'll ask them to lie on their backs as well!:D

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Yeah, they are frustratingly difficult to do anything with when it comes to photos :) Since most of the Sarcophagini were lumped into the genus Sarcophaga it does make getting them to genus much easier though! ;) They're not too difficult if you have male specimens though - and you remember to fold open the genital capsule before they dry and lock tight ;)

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Erm, I'll leave all that intimate stuff to someone who knows how to do it.

I never handle wildlife unless it walks or lands on me of its own accord. GSBs, hoverflies, bees, wasps, butterflies, dragon and damselflies... they all seem to like me, which is lovely... and a priviledge.