ID please, Is this a horse fly? - Solved Beefly

[Maria]

Hi does anyone know if this a horse fly please?


Maria

[andyj]

it is a beefly. Possibly Cytherea species but cant get a good enough view of the wing venation to be absolutely sure. Not too hot on this family.

In most families, horseflies have a downward pointing proboscis (not always the case) and the eyes often have irridescent bands across them. At rest they hold their wings more closely to the body. Beeflies often hold them like the one in your picture, in a sort of "delta wing" position. See some of my beefly images in the gallery to get a general idea of body shape and how they hold their wings.

Andy

[Maria]

Hi Andy

Thanks for pointing out how you got to your conclusion that its a beefly. Funny because they are both on the same page of the book I was looking at 
Love your photos that you have taken, definitely helps to see them.

Maria