Posted by Unk on 01-07-2008 16:28
#1
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! :O)
happy to answer targetted questions. much oblidged
Posted by David Gibbs on 01-07-2008 18:27
#3
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 11:26