The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

With over 7000 species on the British list and a wide variety of different approaches to identification needed for different fly families, general books on fly identification are almost impossible to write. Colyer and Hammond is a valient attempt and still a superb resource which has never been surpassed. So far as I know no-one has even tried! Identification to species level needs a wide range of literature, much of it unfortunately unpublished. When I first began to look seriously at flies I found tracking down the literature the biggest problem. Most beginners start with a single group of flies for which there are readily available published keys. Hoverflies are a popular choice: "British Hoverflies" by A.E.Stubbs and S.J.Falk will tell you all you could wish to know about this group.

Unfortunately Colyer and Hammond has become a collector's item and can fetch high prices. I understand that the colour plates may be better in the first edition but I find the larger size of the seecond edition easier to read.
"A Dipterist�s Handbook", Second edition, 2010, Edited by Peter Chandler (with contributions by 42 other authors) 525 pages with 32 colour plates and 45 text figures ISBN 978 0 900054 778 published by The Amateur Entomologists� Society gives a lot of of more recent information on Diptera, but is not an identification book.
Details of some publications and downloads of older RES keys at-
http://www.dipteristsforum.org.uk/t587- … ature.html
If you join Dipterists Forum there are a number of test keys to groups from DF workshops that are available to members, including a key to fly families.
There is a similar volune to Stubbs and Falk on Larger Brachycera (Soldierflies Robberflies, Horseflies and others) "British Soldierflies and their Allies" by A.E. Stubbs, C.M. Drake and D. Wilson, Second edition 2014, ISBN 978-1-899935-07-9
There should be a discount available to DF members (hint to join).