26 KR. We CROSSIGEY 
upper calypter. The smaller dorsal one of the pair of membranous lobes at the 
wing base (alar squama). 
This has little use in taxonomy but is of note in Prodiaphama (tribe Rutiliini) 
in which, when the wings are closed, it is as long as or almost as long as the 
lower calypter. In other Tachinidae it is normally much shorter. 
venter. The lower surface as a whole (especially of the abdomen). 
vertex. The upper surface of the head between the eyes and around the ocellar 
triangle (Text-figs 1 & 2). 
This area is precisely delimited laterally by the eyes but it is rather vaguely 
defined from the frons and occiput. The width of the vertex varies greatly 
according to how closely the eyes are approximated and is typically wider in 
females than males. The width when seen from above in relation to total head 
width provides important specific differences. When the head is fully holoptic 
(e.g. In some Palpostomatini) all that remains of the vertex is a prominent 
ocellar tubercle (see ocellar triangle). 
vestiture. Setae and hairing collectively. 
vibrissae. Paired setae inserted anteroventrally on the head at the lower ends 
of the facial ridges and directed forwards (Text-fig. 3). 
Typically the vibrissae are extremely strong and curve forwards and inwards 
like a pair of tusks; often they are the strongest setae borne on the head. In 
some forms they are reduced and scarcely distinguishable from the peristomal 
setae (below them) or from the small setulae on the lower ends of the facial 
ridges (above them). Short stubby non-crossing vibrissae occur in some forms. 
vibrissal angles. The corners of the head, typically rather prominent, on which 
the vibrissae stand (Text-fig. 1). 
vibrissal axis. An imagined horizontal line through the head profile at the level 
of the vibrissal insertions (Text-fig. 14). 
vitta. A longitudinal band or line on the dorsum of the thorax or abdomen. 
vittate. Marked with vittae. 
wing venation. The rigid veins that support the wing membrane collectively. 
This provides many important taxonomic characters at several levels, 
according to the proportions shown by different vein lengths, the fusion or 
non-fusion apically of R,,; and M,, the position of the bend of vein M in 
relation to the wing margin, the evanescence of parts of veins (especially loss 
of M,), the positions at which long veins abut on the costa, and to whether 
certain veins reach or fail to reach the wing edge. In addition the extent and 
presence or absence of setulae on certain veins can provide useful characters. 
Setulae may occur on veins R,, Ry. 5, or Cu, but not on the other long veins 
and never on the cross-veins; they are usually more extensive when present 
on the upper surface of the wing but may occur ventrally also on R, and Ry+; 
(especially on the node). 
KEY TO AUSTRALIAN SUBFAMILIES OF TACHINIDAE 
The satisfactory classification of the Tachinidae into subfamilies is a matter of 
great difficulty and specialists are still far from agreed on the number and scope 
