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I've been wondering if you can use the size of the lower calypter as an indicator of a probable family? I often see a fly with quite a large lower calypter, as in this fly.

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No, you can't. Very large calyptra occur in Tachinidae and Sarcophagidae, to say the least.
This is a Sarcophagidae Miltogramminae.
How can you tell ? Jizz.
Less annoying answer: many indications: lack of bristles on mesonotum, lack of discal bristles, strong bend to vein R4+5, large eyes.
Neither of these itself is crucial, but the combination is.

And of course, if you look yourself: no swimming band !
Theo

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If the calypters are bigger than the head, you probably have Acroceridae. Some Leucostoma come close.

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Thanks Theo. Oh well, it would have been nice. Now to the features you have pointed out. I' stuck on the mesonotum bristles. I'm calling the mesonotum the upper part of the thorax, and I can see some large bristles on the side and on the anterior surface, so I'm confused.

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No Graeme, you are not confused, I have been unclear.

' Lack of ...." should read " Scarcity of..."

I was mentally referring to the central ones (ACR, DC). But I cannot expect you to be a mind reader !

Theo

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Thanks Theo. I appreciate your help with all this calypterate taxonomy. Now I can put up a decent picture, the results from this forum have been really beaut. So much to learn and so little time. .... now to hunt down an ACR.

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OK got he ACR sorted. Acrostichal setae. Rows of setae on the thorax. I can see how they can be quite diagnostic.