Diptera.info :: Identification queries :: Diptera (adults)
 Bombylius canescens or minor?
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| SteveC |
Posted on 16-04-2009 22:33
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Member Location: Wiltshire, England Posts: 20 Joined: 15.07.04 |
Hi all, revisiting some images from a Dorset holiday in 2004 I came across a few images of a bee-fly which I initially labelled as B. canescens but now I have the Larger Brachycera guide I'm not so sure it isn't B. minor. It was found on the cliff top path midway betwen Studland village and Old Harry rocks for any one who knows that area [it is chalk grassland]. Can anyone help resolve this one please. Also I had B. discolor in my Swindon garden for the first time ever on Easter Monday [as well as several B. major]. I still can't seem to get this image posting right so please view the image at my Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15121707@N00/3448299694/ Many thanks, Steve. Edited by SteveC on 16-04-2009 22:42 This mail is a natural product. The slight variation in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. |
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| David Gibbs |
Posted on 16-04-2009 23:11
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 Member Location: Bristol, UK Posts: 833 Joined: 17.06.06 |
In this country B. minor is found on heathland, B. canescens on coastal slopes and calcareous grasslands. Thus your specimen should be B. canescens, but it isn't! Looks just like female B. minor to me. On the continent this species can be found in any warm dry habitat so perhaps it is spreading out from Studland Heath as climate warms up. |
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| SteveC |
Posted on 17-04-2009 21:27
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Member Location: Wiltshire, England Posts: 20 Joined: 15.07.04 |
Thanks for that David. I had initially discounted B. minor because of the habitat. Perhaps some stiff North or North Westerly winds blew it down from the heath?! Cheers, Steve. This mail is a natural product. The slight variation in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. |
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