True Flies (Diptera) @ Peartree

Anthomyia procellaris 

Their larvae are typically found in birds' nests where they probably behave as scavengers

Photo: Geoff Frampton (seen on our June 2023 Wildflower Walk)

Other Anthomyiidae

Although they are often abundant, anthomyiid flies are generally very difficult to identify. Many species are herbivorous, making leaf mines or feeding on plant roots

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our April 2024 Flower & Insect walk)

Bombylius major - Dark-Edged Bee-Fly

Furry flies that mimic bees. Their larvae are parasites of solitary bees 

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our April 2024 Flower & Insect walk)

Calliphora vicina - Common Bluebottle Blowfly

This is the commonest of two large Bluebottle species in Britain and a familiar sight. The larvae feed on flesh and carrion in specific states of decomposition, making them useful in forensic science 

Photo: Geoff Frampton (seen commonly on insect walks in 2023 and 2024)

Bellardia species - Emerald-bottle 

Closely related to bluebottles and greenbottles, there are five British Bellardia species. The larvae of two species are parasites of earthworms, but the hosts of the other three species are unknown   

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our August Bug Walk 2024)

Lucilia sericata - Common Greenbottle 

Familiar flies, but there are six nearly identical British Lucilia species plus some other metallic green flies from other families which can look similar 

Photo: Geoff Frampton (seen commonly on our insect walks in 2023 and 2024)

Chlorops or Thaumatomyia species

Tiny flies whose larvae feed on plants

Photo: Geoff Frampton

Chrysotus and Dolichopus species 

There are 18 Chrysotus species and 55 Dolichopus species in Britain, most of which are difficult to identify from photos. Their larvae are generalist predators of a wide range of small invertebrates 

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our June 2024 Insect Walk)

Empis species 

One of several similar species often seen visiting flowers. The adults and larvae are predators of other invertebrates

Photo: Geoff Frampton

Lonchoptera species 

Tiny flies whose larvae are assocated with decaying organic matter 

Photo: Geoff Frampton

Coenosia tigrina - Common Tiger Fly

There are 36 British Coenosia species, of which the Tiger Fly is the largest and most likely to be noticed. Adults are voracious predators of other flying insects which they catch on the wing, and their larvae are predators of earthworms

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our June 2024 Insect Walk)

Graphomya maculata - Painted Graphfly

A medium-sized fly, easily recognised by its distinctive pattern. Their larvae are predators of other small invertebrates, often in damp places such as muddy pools

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our August Bug Walk 2024)

Hebecnema species 

There are five British Hebecnema species. Larvae have been reared mosty from animal dung and in some cases from soil or rotting vegetation

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our June 2024 Insect Walk)

Muscina prolapsa - Red-horned Muscina

One of four British Muscina species. Their larvae are predators of other maggots in carrion and have also been found in nests of social wasps

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our June 2024 Insect Walk)

Unidentified Fungus Gnat

Small flies that are easily overlooked. Their larvae feed on fungi

Photo: Geoff Frampton

Pollenia species 

Cluster flies are named after their habit of aggregating indoors when they seek shelter in winter. The larvae of three species are parasites of earthworms but the hosts of the other five species are unknown 

Photos: Geoff Frampton

Stomorhina lunata - Locust Blowfly 

Originally from Africa where their larvae feed on locust eggs, these flies are increasingly occuring in Britain. They are assumed to be capable of breeding here, probably feeding on grasshopper eggs, but this has not been confirmed  

Photo: Geoff Frampton

Amobia signata - Mason Wasp Satellite Fly

Flies whose larvae are cleptoparasites (food thieves) in mason wasp nests - the fly seen here was closely following a mason wasp 

Photo: Geoff Frampton

Nyctia halterata - Dark-Winged Flesh Fly

Flies whose larvae are predators of snails 

Photo: Geoff Frampton (seen on our August Bug Walk 2024)

Sarcophaga species - Flesh Fly 

There are 39 British Sarcophaga speces. Despite their striking appearance and the large size of some, most species cannot be identified reliably from photos. They have a variety of life cycles, including larvae that are predators, parasitoids, or scavengers 

Photos: Geoff Frampton

Scathophaga stercoraria - Yellow Dung-Fly 

Predatory flies whose larvae develop in dung. Adult males like this one have a furry appearance and can be a distinctive yellow or orange colour, while females are less colourful. Despite the family name, most of the other 'dung-fly' species are not associated with dung  

Photo: Geoff Frampton

Nemopoda nitidula 

Small ant-like flies that often walk around on leaves waving their wings. Larvae feed on fungi and organic material

Photo: Geoff Frampton

Sepsis species 

Most of the 12 British species in this genus have dark wing spots, although the individual species are difficult to identify. Their larvae are associated with organic material including animal dung

Photo: Geoff Frampton (seen on our June 2024 Insect Walk)

Chloromyia formosa - Broad Centurion 

Soldier fly species are often named after military ranks, reflecting their smart appearance resembling military uniforms. Their larvae feed on decaying organic matter 

Photo: Geoff Frampton

These are among the most brightly coloured and easily spotted flies at Peartree Green - see our photo collection here

Photo: Geoff Frampton

The larvae of Tachinid flies are all parasites of other invertebrates. The adults often visit flowers at Peartree Green - see our photo collection here

Photo: Geoff Frampton

Tephritis formosa 

Larvae of this fly are herbivorous, making galls on yellow-flowered plants in the Daisy family such as Hawk's Beard and Cat's Ear

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our June 2024 Insect Walk)

Urophora quadrifasciata - Knapweed Gall Fly (female)

Their larvae feed on Knapweed and related plants, making characteristic galls

Photos: Geoff Frampton (seen on our May 2025 Explore & Discover Day)