The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

I could only get to the second day of the weekend, but thoroughly enjoyed walking through such superb habitat that day. For parts of the day flies were a bit elusive, but I had a very productive hour or so watching activity round two 'planted' tree stumps: I think these were stumps that had fallen or been felled, but had then been stood up again to provide what was clearly good habitat for flies and beetles. One of the stumps had several fruiting bodies of the Dryad's Saddle, Polyporus squamosus. On the underside of the fungus were large numbers of Hirtodrosophila confusa (Drosophilidae). Also on or near the fungus were Bolopus furcatus (Platypezidae), Fannia sociella (Fanniidae), the apparently rarely seen Lonchaea bukowskii (Lonchaeidae), and the RDB-listed Mydaea maculiventris (Muscidae). (The latter two key out okay but await confirmation.) While I was watching these, the hoverfly Brachypalpus laphriformis landed on the stumps as well, another new species for me (thanks to Roger Morris for confirming this one). A few fungus-feeding beetles were also active.

Other than that the highlights for me were the Coleoptera, with the scarce Melasis buprestoides (Eucnemidae) and the RDB click beetles Procraerus tibialis and Ampedus rufipennis (thanks to Alan Stubbs for passing the latter to me, not sure if it was Alan who caught it?). A full list of species is on its way to Roger.

If the uploads have worked okay, there should be photos below showing the DF convoy on arrival; the two 'planted' tree stumps; the fungus with drosophilids beneath; Brachypalpus laphriformis; two photos of Mydaea maculiventris specimen; and finally Alan Stubbs and colleagues investigating a hollowed tree.

A great day, thanks to Roger and all concerned with organising it.

Last edited by haematocephalus (2010-05-31 23:45:06)