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I have just taken delivery of the new RES Handbook for the Identification of British Insects - Vol 10 Part 15, British Lonchaeidae. Available from the Field Studies Council at: http://www.field-studies-council.org/pu ? Code=71015

It is a cut above the texts we have been used to from the RES. The keys are well illustrated, with many key characters in the margins of the key, lots of information on the family, the species and their habits.

I am a real chicken when it comes to determining small bristly flies, but this key really works well for me, so I anticipate that more experienced workers will sail along with this!

Now (May and June) seems to be the best time to collect this distinctive family of flies. At 46 British species they are a nice manageable family too. So, do start collecting and get your order placed for this excellent handbook. Iain McGowan and Graham Rotheray are to be congratulated on this first rate guide.

A special note for Adrian - there is a list of suggested English names for all the British species. Surely a first in an RES key?!

I'll leave someone better qualified to do a proper review, but I think it's worth noting that this Handbook has really motivated me to get stuck into this family. :)