Tricky ID for a flyer, please....

[Red Robin]

Ok, I know that the Damselfly is a male Azure but any suggestions what the fast incoming red-eyed flyer is? It buzzed and caused the damsel to take off. I just got lucky with capturing the flyer on camera and didn't realise it was there until after viewing the pic on my Mac.

The location was on the banks of my small nearby river in coastal West Dorset.

It's a tough life being a Damselfly!

[Geoff F]

I think the light is making those eyes appear brighter than in real life.

Maybe a hoverfly; but I don't think any confirmed identification will be possible.

ps. I was about the photograph a red damselfly recently (probably Large Red) when a large bluebottle pounced on it's back. The damsel froze for a few seconds and I wondered if it was dead, but it recovered and flew off just before I clicked the camera shutter.

[oxycera]

I reckon its a dolichopodid - whose going to prove me wrong?

[Jason Green]

Evening RR,

Originally Posted by oxycera

I reckon its a dolichopodid - whose going to prove me wrong?

Absolutely agree

Take care,

Jason

[Red Robin]

Looking at pics of dolichopodids I reckon you are very probably right - Even though my pic has limited information, the flying insect has typical long back legs and the body shapes and metallic colour match the suggested ID.

Obviously I wasn't expecting anyone to ID it very precisely but was just curious what it might be. I'm impressed! - Thanks

[the poacher]

no idea about the flyer but what's the plant, looks like something in " my photos" was going to put it in the forums when i get round to it,perhaps you would take a look.after all the briefs lately about photo up-downloading,still getting "round to it",thanks.

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by the poacher

no idea about the flyer but what's the plant, looks like something in " my photos" was going to put it in the forums when i get round to it,perhaps you would take a look.after all the briefs lately about photo up-downloading,still getting "round to it",thanks.

....The plant is the controversial Himalayan Balsam. It's not a native species to Britain and grows along river banks and is very prolific. However, it dies and the ground recovers. It's not popular among fishermen but I know a bee keeper who likes it. Many insects seem to like it.

[the poacher]

Originally Posted by Red Robin

....The plant is the controversial Himalayan Balsam. It's not a native species to Britain and grows along river banks and is very prolific. However, it dies and the ground recovers. It's not popular among fishermen but I know a bee keeper who likes it. Many insects seem to like it.

thanks Red Robin,this plant was spotted near to my home on the side of a small lake,large pool.some questions come to mind,now i Google in the morning.spotted this plant two years ago,it survived a very harsh winter(not surprised if from the Himalayas )and is thriving ,the first that comes to mind is why is protected and fenced off by the landowner,but, like i said,in the morning.even night owls have to sleep,thanks for quick reply,hi fives.

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by the poacher

thanks Red Robin,this plant was spotted near to my home on the side of a small lake,large pool.some questions come to mind,now i Google in the morning.spotted this plant two years ago,it survived a very harsh winter(not surprised if from the Himalayas )and is thriving ,the first that comes to mind is why is protected and fenced off by the landowner,but, like i said,in the morning.even night owls have to sleep,thanks for quick reply,hi fives.

....They completely die off in the winter but after flowering in late summer they literally shoot out (many yards) seeds and that's what grows back new plants in May but more of them. The flowers are very pretty. It's extremely easy to uproot any unwanted ones.

I don't know if they're actually from the Himalayas or how they arrived here.