ID for small black fly please

Dave123 · #1 (**permalink**) 22-08-2010, 03:35 PM

Every morning recently a fern in my garden is covered in a swarm of these small black flies, which later spend the rest of the day on the underside of the leaves. They are shiny black, about 4 to 5mm long with a yellow spot on the head and two yellow spots on the wings. Can anyone identify them for me please?

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 22-08-2010, 03:38 PM

Afternoon Dave, and welcome to WAB!

It's actually a small species of moth - I'll get back to you on which it is.

Take care,

Jason

jeny · #3 (**permalink**) 22-08-2010, 03:47 PM

I've seen silvery blue versions of this in my yard.

GuyF · #4 (**permalink**) 22-08-2010, 04:12 PM

Hi Dave, welcome to the site!
I think it may be Psychoides filicivora, a moth as Jason says. The fact that it's on a fern would fit too!
Guy

Dave123 · #5 (**permalink**) 22-08-2010, 05:04 PM

Many thanks to you all for your help. I think you are right Guy - having looked up Psychoides filicivora it does seem to be the one. I have never seen it before.

Dave.