The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Wildlife => Topic started by: Bionic on July 31, 2016, 08:05:14 am

Title: Anyone know what this is?
Post by: Bionic on July 31, 2016, 08:05:14 am

A sort of fly. About half an inch long with a slim body. The front half is metallic blue and the back half metallic red. Very pretty


I have never seen anything like it before. It wasn't interested in me so I'm guessing it doesn't sting/bite. In all respects it was just acting like a normal fly.

Title: Re: Anyone know what this is?
Post by: cloddopper on July 31, 2016, 09:15:28 am

Google, " Common flies found in Great Britain " ..or do a Wikki search , I've just had a quick peek at both sites  ...... there are a lot .

Title: Re: Anyone know what this is?
Post by: regen on August 01, 2016, 09:26:35 am

one of several species of ruby tailed wasps based on description of being fly like.

Regen

Title: Re: Anyone know what this is?
Post by: Bionic on August 01, 2016, 09:52:40 am

Regen, thankyou so much. This is definitely what I saw. Having just looked it up its classified as vulnerable and very rare.
I shall consider myself lucky to having seen it and will be on the look out for it again.

Title: Re: Anyone know what this is?
Post by: Fleecewife on August 01, 2016, 11:41:04 am

Pretty  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: Anyone know what this is?
Post by: Penninehillbilly on August 01, 2016, 12:06:23 pm

Sadly lays it's eggs in the nests of Mason bees and other solitary bees, presumably wiping g the whole nest out :-(.