Please can you identify

Audge · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 04:04 PM

This is a real pest - at times of the day they are in swarms in the garden. They do not byte - but are a pest.

Anzu · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 04:06 PM

Now I wonder if this is Empis tessellata

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 05:59 PM

It certainly looks like one of the Empis species but it is difficult to tell from that photo as there are a few other possibilities and the 'swarming' description makes me wonder.

What size of swarm? 10 to 20 individuals; more than 50; 100 or more?

Any idea of size? Empis tessellata is quite large with a wing length of 10 mm or longer.

Audge · #4 (**permalink**) 08-05-2011, 06:20 PM

Hi

They come into the garden which backs onto the Heath - about 2-500 at a time. We have lived here for over 20 years - this is the first time we have had them. They dance around - and then seem to drop dead everywhere. Only to come back a few hours later. We cannot sit in the garden anymore. Any ideas how to get rid of them - a plant they do not like perhaps? Thanks.

Kayleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 08-05-2011, 06:26 PM

In have never herd of insects like this being a pest but try citronella candles it supposed to deter wasps and things..

JRsbugs · #6 (**permalink**) 08-05-2011, 07:14 PM

It does look like Empis tessellata female, although the photo is dark they have brownish wings and are quite big compared to other Empids.

I have only ever seen one male or female at a time and they are about now, are you sure these are the swarming flies or could they be something else such as Bibio marci?

Janet

Audge · #7 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audge

This is a real pest - at times of the day they are in swarms in the garden. They do not byte - but are a pest.

Here is another picture!

Geoff F · #8 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 08:47 PM

That is a Bibio fly; probably B. marci as Janet suggested.

There does seem to have been a lot around this year. Totally harmless. They bump into your face and hair but nothing to worry about.

They will soon die off now.

jezlee · #9 (**permalink**) 09-05-2011, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff F

That is a Bibio fly; probably B. marci as Janet suggested.

There does seem to have been a lot around this year. Totally harmless. They bump into your face and hair but nothing to worry about.

They will soon die off now.

I agree - I have seen hordes of them this year, but as you say, Geoff, they should be dying off soon!