Two colourful, semi-transparent larvae

Bruce Williams · #1 (**permalink**) 14-10-2009, 09:05 PM

This one was shot in Stony Stratford, Bucks (although I see plenty at Stockgrove).

....and this one was found in Stockgrove Country Park, Beds.

Help with identification and any general info on behaviour and/or anatomy much appreciated,

Bruce

Merrow · #2 (**permalink**) 14-10-2009, 10:12 PM

They look like hover fly larvae to me but don't ask me to be more specific than that!

charlieb · #3 (**permalink**) 15-10-2009, 08:47 AM

Yeah, hoverflys, but that's as far as I can go

ChrisR · #4 (**permalink**) 15-10-2009, 08:51 AM

I'd try posting on http://diptera.info/ - they have some hoverfly experts who have spent years rearing hoverfly larvae and I'm sure they'd know ... these certainly don't look like the normal, common species

Bruce Williams · #5 (**permalink**) 15-10-2009, 05:38 PM

Thanks for your help Merrow, Charlie and Chris. I've never posted anything to the diptera website, however I'll take a look this evening.

Bruce

charlieb · #6 (**permalink**) 16-10-2009, 04:31 PM

Just found this: The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)

ChrisR · #7 (**permalink**) 16-10-2009, 08:19 PM

Yes, that's the Dipterist's Forum website - a UK society for people interested in flies - publishes Dipterist's Digest and a biannual bulletin.

If you have anything fairly scientific to say about flies then their journal is where you'd probably publish.

Bruce Williams · #8 (**permalink**) 16-10-2009, 08:36 PM

Thanks Charlie, I've just ordered the book (Colour Guide to Hoverfly Larvae (Diptera, Syrphidae) in Britain and Europe, £16.99 incl. postage).

Thanks Chris - I see they also have a publication on adult hoverflies (currently oop).

Bruce