The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

This does look to be an interesting book from the weblink.  However, I note that it is not Sarcophagidae but only the genus Sarcophaga. There are other genera that I need the keys and figures for. So I would still have to use my Fennoscandia Sarcophagidae book for Sarcophagidae in general, unless I get this one just for female Sarcophaga. In addition from the chapter headings there seems to be an emphasis on Southern French/Mediterranean species without an equal emphasis on those from Departments/Regions adjacent to the English Channel.

On a separate note I thought that in the UK VAT is not chargeable on books, but may be on postage and packing. But in this case the publisher/supplier is based in Bulgaria where VAT may be payable. I could not find this book available from other online bookshops, so you may have little choice as to the total payable if you want this book, as they may be the only supplier.

Last edited by brianh (2011-07-21 16:10:21)

If you're thinking of buying this book, the following may be of interest:

It contains keys for the males of all Sarcophaga (s.l.) species found in Europe, not just in France. All British species are covered with the one exception of Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) compactilobata Wyatt 1991. This species appears in the British checklist, and according to Fauna Europaea also occurs in France, but it is missing from the book. (I can't find any information about it anywhere, apart from the fact that it exists. I assume it is very rare). The book also contains keys to females, but these are based on the details of female terminalia which have to be dissected out. There are instructions for doing this, but they look very daunting to me.

There are extensive notes on the biology of individual species, so far as it is known.

The book is beautifully produced, with many photographic plates of details of genitalia etc. I haven't yet had the opportunity to use the keys, so I can't comment on how effective they are.

I think this book is probably an essential buy for anyone with a serious interest in the Sarcophagidae