Some insects for ID

PeterD · #1 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 09:04 PM

The first is, I think, a shieldbug. Can any one ID this for me please?

Thanks

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 09:11 PM

Evening Peter,

Do you have dorsals, more top-down shots of these? The first reminds me of a bug from the Rhopalidae family. The emphasis on 'Reminds'.

Take care,

Jason

Jason Claxton · #3 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 09:23 PM

Looks like a Rhopalid to me as well ,not Rhopalus maculatus,not any rows of dots underneath, I agree a dorsal view would be a lot better,but the side view will show the metapleuron very well if we need it.

Jason.

PeterD · #4 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 09:35 PM

Good Evening and thank you both. I hope I am not breaking any rules (apologies to the moderator if I am

). The full size images can be viewed here ; New Butterflies & other Insects uploads - Imageinuk Photography - Peter Drury- powered by SmugMug and New Butterflies & other Insects uploads - Imageinuk Photography - Peter Drury- powered by SmugMug. I was unable to get the full dorsal view but I hope that these links will help you view the insect in more detail.

To the moderator. The site I have linked to is my own site on SmugMug which is also linked in my signature.

PeterD · #5 (**permalink**) 25-09-2009, 09:45 PM

The next insect is a cranefly. What troubles me is that the illustrations show TWO pairs of antenna whilst those I have seen have only ONE pair. can someone help me by explaining why this should be please?

Thanks

PeterD · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 10:09 PM

These were taken today at Waterlooville Hants.

And this one I think is a Stilt Bug (Neides tipularius),

Thanks

Peter

Jason Green · #7 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 10:19 PM

Evening Peter,

Your first is a pale, worn Common Carder Bee, Bombus pascuorum going by the barred tail. Your second looks too thick-set for a Stilt Bug Berytidae member, so I'll go for a Stenodema sp. from the Miridae family instead.

Take care,

Jason

PeterD · #8 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 10:56 PM

Thanks again Jason and good evening.

I have looked up your suggestion for#2 and agree. I matches quite nicely with Stenodema laevigatum

.

I shall change the image titles now. Not sure if you saw the quetsion I posed earlier regarding the Cranefly. The images in my guide are quite confusing.

Jason Green · #9 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 11:01 PM

Nope, I did see it - the one about two pairs of antennae? Not sure... maybe post it up as a new thread?

PeterD · #10 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 11:06 PM

Hi Jason. I guess I have not explained it too well

.

The illustrations in the Chinery guide seem to indicate their should be two pairs of antenna. My photo is typical of all those I have seen with only one pair of antenna. Thats the reason I posed the question.

PeterD · #11 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 07:43 PM

Seen yesterday in Waterlooville.
The closest I can get to it is a member of the Dolichopids. I usually get it wrong

but this is my best stab from the shape etc.

Jason Green · #12 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 07:50 PM

It's a Dung Fly, and likely Scathophaga stercoraria. It's not necessarily one you should be familiar with, though; I think I saw the female last year (who is largely hairless in comparison!) and not a single adult this year.

PeterD · #13 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 08:15 PM

Good evening and thanks for replying so promptly Jason (again

).

This fly is not in my Insect guide book but I have looked it up on the web. It looks like you are spot on again

.

Wikepedia entry states that these are very common but I do not think I have seen them before. Mind you, I am seeing a lot of new things now that I have my eyes open and camera ready

.