Three for ID please

[TeresaW]

Thank goodness we've got so many experts on this forum!

Just tidying my photos folder, and found these three, which I haven't been able to name...

I was taking some oak gall pics, from fallen leaves last October, when this tiny fella (no more than 3mm) crawled into view and insisted on staying there.

1.

These two were just there, I was actually taking a shot of the flower.

2.

3.

Any help appreciated as always

[squishy]

First is a true bug of some kind.

Second is an empis sp. fly.

[TeresaW]

Thanks Squishy. any idea on the third rather pretty little beetle?

[TeresaW]

I think no 1, could be Deraeocoris lutescens which favours oak. This was found under an oak tree which I regularly sit under.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Teresa,

I agree with lutescens for the first. I've seen the third on Bramble too, several times in fact - but I wouldn't like to guess what family it belongs to!

I agree with Empididae family for the middle request, too.

Take care,

Jason

[TeresaW]

Thanks Jason. What a pity, it's a nicely coloured little thing. Obviously common around bramble, so I'll see if I can find some more as I go about chasing hoverflies.


I must admit, I did find the lutescens an attractive, almost metallic colour, but it was so small, it was difficult to get a decent focus on it. (I'm more used to my camera and it's foibles now, but can I find one again? Can I 'eck!)

[Jason Green]

Try beating. You know, take a cat-litter tray and a small soft-tipped sweeping-up brush and gently tap the top of low branches with the tray underneath to knock insects from the leaf undersides or inaccessible corners and into the tray for closer examination (though you may not get long - when disturbed they may speed-off to find cover again!).

Oak is a good tree for insects, and is an activity I may try - should be good.