St Mark's-fly?

[Deer Stalker]

Closest match I can get for this is St Mark's-fly Bibio sp.

Taken on Gorse in the New Forest.

Cheers

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Si,

I'm not too sure, really. It's certainly in the same family - Bibionidae - but it may be a little too early for the true St. Mark's Fly, but I wouldn't rule it out! It's only 10 days, then give or take a couple I suppose.

The common name encompases two species, Bibio marci and B. hortulanus. These tend to have jet-black markings running along, and not over, the outer-edge of the wing near the pterostigma - yours appear to be brown and a little more 'stained', so I'd think about Bibio varipes or similar. Still, I'm no expert on the group/phenology! I find them all a little confusing.

Do you have any additional angles - leg colour, etc.?

Take care,

Jason

[Dogghound]

Its Bibio lanigerus.

[Deer Stalker]

Cheers Jason & Dogghound

Just in case here's the only other pic I took of a different angle. It was about to be deleted.