Flies
Introduction
True flies (order Diptera) are an immense group with over 100,000 known species. They all have their hind pair of wings reduced to pin-shaped structures called halteres which act as gyroscopes to maintain balance in flight. Most feed on liquids, including nectar and blood.
This page looks at flies that are in the dipteran sub-orders Brachycera and Cyclorrhapha which are 'higher' flies, meaning later to evolve than the Nematocera which are displayed in the Craneflies, Gnats & Midges section. Note that Hoverflies (Syrphidae family) are also displayed in a separate section.
Leicestershire and Rutland Resources
The Foraging Preferences of Anthophora plumipes in a Suburban Garden - Maggie Frankum
Conopidae VC55 Status - Ray Morris
Tephritidae VC55 Status - Ray Morris
40 Dipteran Families (up to 10 species) VC55 Status - Ray Morris
Pediciidae VC55 Status - Ray Morris
Sciomyzidae VC55 Status - Ray Morris
Dipteran Families 11-20 species VC Status - Ray Morris
Other Useful Websites and Publications
Internet
UK Diptera Facebook Group - great resource for posting images for national experts to comment on and identify.
The Dipterist's Forum offers a huge range of support.
Diptera.info - a forum site with some photos but best used to get identification help. Just upload an image and be surprised how quickly you get a response.
Mike's Insect Keys - an excellent range of free illustrated keys to many fly families.
Fly anatomy -a fascinating and interactive guide to the technical bits that make up a fly! If you're serious about identifying flies it is necessary to understand the terms used.
Printed
British Soldierflies and Their Allies: A Field Guide to the Larger British Brachycera
Blowflies - Olga Sivell. A superb and comprehensive RES key and guide to UK blowflies (Calliphoridae, Polleniidae, Rhiniidae)
If you know of other websites or books that you would recommend, do let us know: info@naturespot.co.uk
Recording Schemes
As with all records, any submissions you make to NatureSpot will be automatically forwarded to both local and national recording schemes.