Phryxe nemea

c8mm. A common tachinid fly but without any obvious features. The abdomen is grey with black cross bands and the thorax has several black stripes. The scutellum usually has a pale red/brown tint towards the tip. A key character of the Phryxe genus is that the apical pair of bristles on the scutellum point vertically upwards.

Other Phryxe species.

• arista bare
• eyes hairy
• parafacial area largely bare
• at least 2 of the upper parafrontal bristles are reclinate (the tip is behind the base)
• scutellum with 4 pairs of marginal bristles
• the apical pair on the scutellum point upwards and are crossed
• abdominal segment 1 has a pair of median marginal bristles
• the scutellum has a paler red/brown area towards the tip
• the parafrontal area is yellow/grey

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Usually deciduous woodland and scrub.

Early May to early October, peaking in May.

Like virtually all tachinids, it lays eggs on lepidopteran caterpillars. Phryxe nemea appears not to be fussy and many species play host to its larvae.

Widespread across most of Britain and fairly common, particular in the south.

There are few records in Leicestershire and Rutland but it is believed to be fairly common.