The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)
Affiliated to the British Entomological and Natural History Society (BENHS)
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#1 2011-01-19 01:13:36
- colinleb
- DF Members
- Name: Colin Le Boutillier
- From: Luton, Bedfordshire
- Registered: 2008-03-03
- Posts: 52
Early (?) appearance of Tephritis formosa
TL064225 VC30 Bedfordshire - Arriva Bus Garage, Dunstable Road, Luton
14:00 hrs 18 January 2011
Basking and alternate wing waving on ivy (Hedera sp) growing vertically in full sun on high wooden fence
Whilst looking for Calliphora vicina, which appears almost every time we get any sun on this sheltered fence whatever the date, I was surprised to see a lone male specimen of Tephritis formosa (Loew) – pretty sure of the id but not an expert. Funnily enough no bluebottles.
Temperature has been in low double degrees C for 2 or 3 days although only 5 degrees C today. After a long freezing December I suppose this fly must have hatched recently rather than overwintered as an adult?
No obvious Sonchus sp noticed nearby during previous Summer but many weedy and neglected paths within a few metres
Is it unusual for this species to be out so early?
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#2 2011-01-19 01:22:37
- Mick
- Committee
- Name: Mick Parker
- From: Weymouth, Dorset
- Registered: 2008-02-20
- Posts: 65
Re: Early (?) appearance of Tephritis formosa
Hi Colin,
I think you will find that most Tephritis species overwinter as adults,
Cheers,
Mick
Mick Parker
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