Interesting Insect Identification site

[Geoff F]

While searching for some identification information about a Crane Fly; I discovered this site which is new to me. Site Map

Although possibly biased towards the beginner, I thought there is a lot of general information and photos here, which may be useful to all levels of ability.

ps. If anybody knows their Crane Flies, and close relatives. I am still looking to identify this species which I now think is a Ptychopterid species.



And the second image is a Tipulid species, I think. But probably not clear enough for a firm ID. Although according to that site, Tipula lateralis looks possible.

[peterbolson]

Hello Geoff
I think you are right that the first one is one of the Ptychopteridae family - it only has 1, curved, anal vein and you can clearly see the false vein which gives the family it's name ( fold-wing craneflies ). Unfortunately it is a female and you can't see vein RS clearly, so not being an expert I can't go any further. There are no intense wing markings so it's not P.contaminata. There are only 6 other species, 2 rare. All found by water. It could be P.lacustris.
I agree that the other could be subgenus Yamatotipula, possibly T.lateralis.
I'd be very interested to know what a real expert has to say.
Peter

[Geoff F]

Well they were both close to water, Peter. Particularly the T. lateralis (poss) where I was kneeling in mud beside a stream!

The local expert, who checks the county records, agreed with Ptychopteridae family but preferred to pass on the Tipula.

I have searched around a few Ptychopteridae species but without success.

Looking closely at the abdomen; it appears that there might be parasites inside. Or am I imagining that I can see a face with antennae there?