Bug for ID please

pressld2 · #1 (**permalink**) 27-11-2009, 07:38 PM

Just trying to catch up on some keywording of photos and came across this one...

I uploaded it to the image library back in August but forgot to start a thread for it.

Nothing in my Collins has black and white striped legs or black and white striped antenae but from browsing the British Bugs website I suspect Dicranocephalus medius. Can anyone confirm or deny this please?

Thanks in advance,

Dave P.

Acutipuerilis · #2 (**permalink**) 27-11-2009, 08:31 PM

Well, it's certainly a Dicranocephalus, but the species are difficult to separate, as it says. What was the habitat/location? That can sometimes help to split them. Tristan may have a better feeling for this one, as he's actually seen the things.

Whichever it is, it's a nice find.

pressld2 · #3 (**permalink**) 27-11-2009, 09:19 PM

Sorry, should have mentioned habitat and location as that's what made me go for D. medius rather than D. agilis. It was at Downe Bank in Kent which is a wildflower meadow next to deciduous woodland. I've just been checking the wildflower photos I took that day but don't have any shots of spurge. Wood spurge was probably present but unlikely to be in flower at the back end of August. The insect was on a small piece of green painted corrugated iron when I saw it and I only managed the one shot before it flew and I lost it.

Dave P.

Jason Claxton · #4 (**permalink**) 28-11-2009, 09:09 AM

I agree that D.medius is most likely given the location that it was found,I wouldn't like to confirm it from the photo,I'll leave that to Tristan as well.It is a Notable (NB) insect,so scarce ,Dave.A nice find.I don't know about its status in Kent,its got to be worth sending a record and the photo to a recording scheme.Cheers Jason

tristanba · #5 (**permalink**) 28-11-2009, 06:32 PM

Certainly will be D. medius given location & habitat and am sure it will be a good record for the reserve. I actually visited Downe Bank earlier in the year and the warden is a very nice chap and also very keen - I shall pass this on to him.

Cheers
Tristan

pressld2 · #6 (**permalink**) 29-11-2009, 08:09 AM

Thanks Jason.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tristanba

I actually visited Downe Bank earlier in the year and the warden is a very nice chap and also very keen - I shall pass this on to him.

Thanks Tristan and please do. I have also logged the record with the KMBRC.

I shall be contacting the warden myself next year as I'm hoping to get permission to visit the protected areas of the reserve and photograph some of the orchids there. It's good to know he's a nice chap!

Dave P.