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Diptera.info :: Identification queries :: Diptera (adults)
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Beefly Major/Minor.. differences??
Unk
#1 Print Post
Posted on 01-07-2008 15:28
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Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 1
Joined: 01.07.08

I am at sub-novice level at this bug watching stuff, but thoroughly enjoying it... but I have a nagging question.

What are the key differences between a Beefly Major and Beefly Minor, for south coast UK. My 'spottings have been early June, in a very biodiverse 50 acres I planted up myself several years ago... and although I have narrowed the flying belly button fluff to the 'beefly'.. the time of year is smack bang in the middle f what I've been told for each of the major and minor variants.

I notice they like to hover and watch me working, and they stay very close to the hedgerow... I have 68 catalogued species of grass and wildflower in the field, so won't bother listing them all here! Shock)

happy to answer targetted questions. much oblidged
I have a field. I have bugs. I have a net, I have view-jars....but I do not have the knowledge.
 
Sundew
#2 Print Post
Posted on 01-07-2008 16:20
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Location: Berlin and Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Posts: 3931
Joined: 28.07.07

Here's a helpful key:
http://home.hccne...index.html
Welcome to the forum!
Regards, Sundew
 
David Gibbs
#3 Print Post
Posted on 01-07-2008 17:27
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Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 833
Joined: 17.06.06

Beefly Major and Beefly Minor


where do you get these names from, are you just translating the scientific name?

Bombylius major and B. minor.

very easily identified, B major clear-cut dark fore margin of wing, flying April-May (in uk)
http://www.dipter...to_id=1596

B. minor has dark smudge at base of wing, only clear in male, flying July-August (in uk)
http://www.dipter...342058.jpg

is your field in Wiltshire? if so then B. minor very unlikley. largely confined to heathands of Dorset and Hampshire. B. major found everywhere. B. discolor (spotted wings - see gallery) locally present, if you are lucky you can see B. canescens on chalk grassland.
Edited by David Gibbs on 02-07-2008 10:26
 
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15 September 2025 22:51
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