Colourful barkfly (I think)

Bruce Williams · #1 (**permalink**) 21-03-2009, 10:51 AM

Northants garden. Colourful? Well colourful compared to the other barkflies I've seen before.

This was one of the most frustrating insects to photograph. Not only did it never stop moving but it was forever changing direction. Good job it couldn't fly! Anyway, that's my excuse for a fuzzy photo.

I think it's a barkfly?

Bruce

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 21-03-2009, 06:03 PM

Yep, the immature 'louse' stage I believe. Sorry a bit busy now, will give it some thought later...

Bruce Williams · #3 (**permalink**) 22-03-2009, 09:09 PM

Thanks Jason. I'll send pic to the National Barfly Recording Scheme to see if they can help with an id.

Bruce

Bruce Williams · #4 (**permalink**) 23-03-2009, 08:15 PM

I have just heard from Bob Saville (National Barkfly Recording Scheme). He says that it is generally only possible to identify barkflies at the adult stage however the green eyes and hairy antennathis identify this one as a species of Trichopsocus.

Presumably the problem with identifying barkfly nymphs is a lack of recorded information and images.

Bruce

ps - I managed to get a clearer pic this morning!