Flies - Page 2
Diptera
Species on this page
- Dasyphora sp. — Greenbottle
- Eupeodes luniger — Hoverfly
- Epistrophe eligans — Hoverfly
- Platycheirus sp. — Hoverfly
- Chironomidae — Non-biting Midge
- Thelaria sp. — Tachinid Fly
- Fannia lustrator — Forest Fly
- Fannia spp. — Forest Fly & Lesser House Fly
- Merodon equestris — Greater Bulb Fly
- Bombylius major — Dark-edged Bee-fly
- Eristalis tenax — Common Drone Fly
- Hylemya_sp. — Tachinid Fly
- Bibio marci — St Mark's Fly
Bombylius
major — Dark-edged Bee-fly — Garden — 08.04.2026 —
Feeding on Pulmonaria 
Bombylius
major — Dark-edged Bee-fly — 28.03.2026 — Photo by
Mark Garrad Dasyphora sp.
Greenbottle
Muscidae
Two flies: Dasyphora sp.
(Greenbottle) and Thelaria sp. (Tachinid) — ID
needs verification 
Dasyphora sp. — Greenbottle —
Garden — 16.08.2005 — ID suggested by Stuart Ball, UK
Hoverflies 
Dasyphora sp. — Greenbottle —
Garden — 16.08.2005 Eupeodes luniger
Spring Eupeodes
Hoverfly
Syrphidae
Eupeodes luniger — Hoverfly —
Garden — 08.04.2026 
Platycheirus sp.
Hoverfly
Syrphidae
Platycheirus sp. — Hoverfly —
Garden — March 2026 Chironomidae
Non-biting Midge
Chironomidae — Diptera
Chironomidae — Non-biting
Midge — Garden — 23.03.2026 — Note the characteristic long
front legs held forward at rest View Species Profile »
Thelaria sp.
Hairy Tachinid Fly
Tachinidae — Brachycera
Fannia
lustrator — 21.04.2026 
Fannia lustrator (Female) —
25.04.2026 
Merodon equestris — Greater Bulb
Fly — Garden — 22.04.2026 Bumblebee Mimic: Identified by Trevor James Southward, this species is a remarkable mimic of bumblebees. It is highly polymorphic, meaning it occurs in several different colour forms (morphs) to match various bee species.
Identification: Unlike the Volucella mimics, Merodon is distinguished by a noticeable thickening of the hind femur (thigh) and a specific lack of the feathery antennae seen in similar large hoverflies. Its larvae are known to develop within the bulbs of lilies and daffodils.
Garden Habitats: Often found in gardens where spring bulbs are present, particularly in sun-drenched sheltered spots where they can be seen hovering low to the ground or resting on foliage.
Notes: Initially looking like a Muscid, this specimen was identified as a Hylemya candidate by Steven Falk. This genus is part of the Anthomyiidae family. They are notoriously difficult to identify to species level from photos alone, but are common visitors to damp garden areas.
Observation: Spotted basking near the water's edge. The slender body and specific bristle patterns are characteristic of this group.
Eristalis tenax (m)—
Common Drone Fly — Garden — 25.04.2026 Honeybee Mimic: A remarkable example of Batesian mimicry; this hoverfly has evolved to look and fly like a honeybee drone to deter predators.
Identification: Key features include the dark front "feet" (tarsi) and the noticeably thickened, curved hind tibia. It also features a broad dark stripe running down the centre of its face.
Identification: Siphona is a genus of small, bristly Tachinid flies. While they can look similar to Muscids at a distance, they possess a unique, long, "elbowed" proboscis used for nectar feeding. This specimen was identified with the help of the UK Diptera community and Steven Falk.
Lifecycle: These are beneficial garden residents; Siphona species are parasitoids, typically targeting the larvae of craneflies (leatherjackets) or small caterpillars.
Garden Habitats: Often seen basking on foliage or visiting flowers. Their small size makes them easy to overlook, but they play a vital role in the local ecosystem by helping to regulate the populations of other insects.
Bibio marci (Female) — Garden —
25.04.2026 — Found on St Mark's Day Phenology: Appropriately named, these flies almost always emerge around St Mark's Day (25th April). Their flight period is very short, usually lasting only a few weeks.
Identification: This is a female specimen, identified by her small head and elongated body. The legs are notably shiny and black. Males are easily distinguished by their much larger, bulging eyes.
Garden Benefit: While they can appear in large, slightly intimidating swarms, they are harmless pollinators. Their larvae live in the soil, feeding on decaying leaf mulch and helping to improve garden soil structure.