There appeared to be two layers of participants. the lower layer included these two little beasties, approx. 5-10mm, who paused for a while on the wooden patio furniture.
The upper layer consisted of larger Tipulidae. These appeared to fly in more elaborate patterns and occasionally two would join and fly/tumble to rest on the garden woodwork.
Don't know what any of these are but it was mesmerising to watch.
Dave might be able to help with the crane-flies.
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the first beetle. The second one is a Rove beetle (Staphylinidae), characterised by the short wing cases leaving most of the abdomen exposed. There are a mere 1,080 species in the UK, so probably not identifiable to species level from a photo.
Thanks George. Looked up 'rove beetles' and from this I think I may have identified an image in my 'anon' box - I'll post a picture to see if I'm right!
ReplyDeleteI think the Craneflies are probably Dicranomyia chorea - the spring form is this dark colour (more yellowy in summer) and had a few in my garden at around this time.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave.
ReplyDelete