Hoverflies & True Flies
While often overlooked, the large flies and hoverflies of the Sussex coast display an astonishing array of colours, patterns, and behaviours. This page highlights species observed across Lancing, showcasing everything from the brilliant metallic glint of the Soldier Flies to the fascinating wasp-and-hornet mimicry of the Syrphidae family. We hope these photographic records inspire you to pause and look a little closer at the vital insect life buzzing through our local gardens.
Diptera recorded in the Lancing area
Contents
Syrphidae — Hoverflies
- Syritta pipiens — Thick-legged Hoverfly
- Scaeva pyrastri — Pied Hoverfly
- Volucella pellucens — Pellucid Hoverfly
- Volucella inanis
- Volucella zonaria — Hornet Mimic
- Volucella inflata
- Meliscaeva auricollis
- Eristalis pertinax — Tapered Drone Fly
- Eristalis tenax — Drone Fly
- Eristalis interruptus
- Merodon equestris
- Syrphus spp.
- Myathropa florea
- Episyrphus balteatus — Marmalade Fly
- Xanthogramma pedissequum
- Sphaerophoria scripta
- Helophilus pendulus
- Eupeodes corollae / luniger
Stratiomyidae — Soldier Flies
Bibionidae
- Bibio marci — St Mark's Fly
Muscidae & Other
- Lucillia sp. — Greenbottle
- Sarcophaga sp. — Flesh-Fly
- Calliphora vicina sp. — European Blow Fly
Syrphidae — Hoverflies
Sphaerophoria sp.
Long-hoverfly (Male)
Syritta pipiens (m)
Thick-legged Hoverfly
Episyrphus balteatus
Marmalade Fly
Episyrphus balteatus
Marmalade Fly
Sphaerophoria scripta (m)
Hoverfly — male
Sphaerophoria scripta
Hoverfly
Sphaerophoria scripta
Hoverfly
Volucella pellucens
Pellucid Hoverfly
ID confirmed: Murdo Macdonald
Eristalis interruptus [syn. nemorum]
Tapered Drone Hoverfly — female
Syrphus spp. (ribesii, unconfirmed)
Hoverfly
Calliphora vicina
Blow Fly
