The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

flyby · 2008-07-29 09:15:06

Hi All

I am new to the diptera forum having recently become interested in this discipline and would be grateful for Id of the flies posted at http://picasaweb.google.com/Flyby3694

Many thanks

jaapiella · 2008-07-30 12:50:23

Hi Flyby

Afraid that I cannot be of much help with the two flies (middle 2 pics) but the first and last images are of true bugs (Hemiptera:Heteroptera). Both appear to be from the family Miridae. The black one with the green legs and distinctive antennae is certainly Heterotoma planicornis - frequent on rank vegetation.

The last image is another Mirid bug, possibly Campyloneura virigula - widespread and common on a range of shrubs and trees.

The forum can offer great advice on how to recognise 2-winged flies (Diptera) from other superficially similar groups.

Hope I have been of some help

Scotty

flyby · 2008-07-30 19:58:19

Many thanks Scotty. Forum help is always very much appreciated and a good way to learn.

Jim

KenMerrifield · 2008-07-30 22:00:16

My guesses at the remaining pictures-

Photo 2
The wing pattern looks to me like that of Sylvicola cinctus, however I would expect the antennae to be longer and more thread-like, unless that is due to the angle of view. Sylvicola belong to the Family Anisopodidae, they are related to Craneflies and I think this species is also associated with woodlands.

Photo 3
From the wing pattern and what appears to be three dark rings on the femora (long basal part of the legs) I think this is probably Limonia nubeculosa. A Cranefly in the Family Limoniidae, it is frequently associated with woodlands.

There are some pictures on the excellent Virtual Field Guide www.bioimages.org.uk

Limonia nubeculosa
http://www.bioimages.org.uk/HTML/T15412.HTM

Campyloneura virgula (probably not a live specimen)
http://www.bioimages.org.uk/html/R150772.HTM

Last edited by KenMerrifield (2008-07-31 22:38:08)

KenMerrifield · 2008-07-31 22:34:56

Some books on Diptera

Unfortunately long out of print and expensive if/when available, but a classic review of the British Diptera which was responsible for stimulating the interest of many of the current British Dipterists-
"Flies of the British Isles". by C.N. Colyer and C.O. Hammond, 1951 and 1968, Fredrick Warne & Co. Ltd., London.

A more modern book giving an impressive amount of detail on all insect orders, including Diptera, but inevitably less detail than in a specialised publication- “Collins Field Guide to the Insects of Britain and Northern Europe” 3d Edition Michael Chinery, 2007. Harper Collins ISBN 0 00 2199181

haematocephalus · 2008-07-31 22:44:01

I'd agree with Ken that no. 2 is a species of Sylvicola, but there are several similar species, and my understanding was that S. cinctus can only be differentiated from S. fenestralis by microscopic examination of the male genitalia. There is a good online key at:
http://www.online-keys.net/news.php

(you may need to register on this site to gain access to the keys)

For bug images see also:
http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/index.html

Martin

Martin Harvey

flyby · 2008-08-04 19:54:22

Many thanks for all the replies and links. Should keep me going for a while.

Jim Pewtress

The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

#1 2008-07-29 09:15:06

New member - ID please

#2 2008-07-30 12:50:23

Re: New member - ID please

#3 2008-07-30 19:58:19

Re: New member - ID please

#4 2008-07-30 22:00:16

Re: New member - ID please

#5 2008-07-31 22:34:56

Re: New member - ID please

#6 2008-07-31 22:44:01

Re: New member - ID please

#7 2008-08-04 19:54:22

Re: New member - ID please

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