Learn about flies

Description

Help with identifications, field craft and other topics relating to Diptera

Predatory fly

Hi, I’m a beginner, but have had an interest in entomology for 50 odd years - during which time I have seen a crane fly ‘taken’ by another fly. I have attached photos. Any idea what the predator is, please?

The location was long grass on a field edge. Limestone. 
Many thanks,

Max Elvidge

Protected species

Submitted by Vanessa on

Hello everyone - I'm new to the group.

Thank you for allowing me to join, John:)

I just wondered if there is a list (with photos if poss) of any UK diptera species that are protected?

Many thanks, Vanessa

Helina

Submitted by sifolinia on

I've got a female Helina that's keying out confidently to the fratercula/consimilis/vicina couplets in the Fonseca RES key to Muscidae. It's clearly not fratercula, as the hind tibia have no posterodorsals (or scars) and it has only one anteroventral. However, the mid femur have three (slightly postero)ventral near the base, which would seem to rule out consimilis and vicina. I'm therefore at a bit of a loss.

Gall fly

Submitted by TAYLOR SUE on

Another one I thought might be easy... will I never learn!   This was on a knapweed in chalk grassland in Bucks on 16/6/21

Any thoughts or pointers please.

Thanks

Arncott Flies

Submitted by TAYLOR SUE on

Two flies that I think should be 'doable' from photos but I need some help please,  both were from damp nutrient poor meadows rich in Dyers Greenweed and a good range of other plants.

Any thoughts welcome