The Diptera (True Flies) are a fascinating group of insects, yet unfortunately not a group that I get much time to look at in detail. However, thanks to entomologist Richard Davidson, we have had some very interesting records recently.
The first and one of the most interesting is Melieria omissa. This is a picture-winged fly (Ulididae), named after their patterned wings. The species has been recorded previously on the Lincolnshire coast and on the Humber, but to our knowledge, not this far down the Trent. They are associated with wet vegetation, the females laying their eggs in the stems of waterside plants.
Prosena siberita is a member of the Tachinidae - they parasitize beetles of the Scarabaeidae (such as the garden chafer, of which we have a healthy population here). The nearest known records of this species are from west Norfolk.
Phaonia cincta is a Muscid fly, whose larva live in rot holes in trees. The nearest known records of this species to Langford are from Cambridgeshire.
Oplodontha viridula is a soldier fly of the Family Stratiomyidae. They are a stunning little insect, with bright lime green colouration on the abdomen. They are associated with wetlands, often to be found in reedbeds - great to know we are attracting yet more reedbed species.
And finally, a Dolichopodid fly Neurigona quadrifasciata - yet another (to our knowledge), first for Nottinghamshire.
Many thanks to Richard for all his efforts - keep them coming!