Cheilosia illustrata Hoverfly Syrphidae

Cheilosia illustrata Hoverfly Syrphidae

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Xyphosia miliaria - A Tephritid Fly

Xyphosia miliaria - A Tephritid Fly

Length:

4-6 mm. This fruit fly is mostly orange with black patterned wings, typical of this family

Habitat 
Found on thistles where it causes galls to form on the host plant.a common Tephritid fly, found virtually anywhere in the vicinity of Thistles.

Phenology

May - September

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Tachnid Fly Phasia hemiptera

 Tachnid Fly Phasia hemiptera

 Tachnid Fly Phasia hemiptera - Female

Description

One of a small group of distinctive Tachinid flies. This species is strongly sexually dimorphic the female has noticeable orange hair patches on the sides of the thorax, and the abdomen shows some subdued orange marking. The males are even more colourful with curved patterned wings.

Habitat 

Various habitats, but usually in well wooded areas or around hedgerows etc.

Phenology 

Flight period: early May to early August

Life History 

It is a parasite of Heteropteran bugs, with known hosts including Green Shieldbug and Forest Bug. The female lays her eggs on these insects and the larvae then develop inside the living host.

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Grammoptera ruficornis A Small Longhorn Beetle

Grammoptera ruficornis A Small Longhorn Beetle

Description

One of the smallest longhorn beetles this species is brownish or dark grey with silky hairs on the wing cases, giving it a sheen. It has long antennae, where the 2nd segment is elongate - a feature which distinguishes it from the other two Grammoptera species found in Britain. All 3 have bulbous femora (top segment of the leg). Its front legs are orange and the antennae are banded with red and black.

Habitat

Usually found in wooded areas in early summer this beetle is especially fond of Hawthorn (Crataegusspp) and Hogweed (Heracleum spp) flowers. The larvae feed on the wood of dead twigs.

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