Bumble-bee

A bumble-bee, probably a common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum), feeding on comfrey flowers.

Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-05-10.

Alderfly

Not a stonefly, as I previously thought, but an alderfly (order Megaloptera, family Sialidae).  Probably species Sialis lutaria on the basis that this specimen was found next to still water; the other two similar UK species of Sialis prefer running water (M. Chinery, Complete British Insects, Collins, 2005, page 108).

Photo taken beside the large lake in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK on 2009-04-26.

Caddis Fly

A caddis fly, order Trichoptera, possibly of genus Limnephilus.

Photo taken beside the large lake, Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, 2009-05-03.

Stiletto Fly

A dipteran fly, probably of the family Therevidae (stiletto flies).  These are similar to the Asilidae (robber flies) but feed on nectar rather than other insects.  I have been unable to narrow down the identification to genus and species.

[Note added 2009-06-19: I now think that this is a member of the family Empididae or Dagger flies, possibly Empis tessallata based on the black thighs. It is also probably a female, based on the thick abdomen and the fact the eyes are well separated. Dagger flies use their proboscis to stab and kill other insects as well as to suck up nectar.]

Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-04-26.

Sawfly

[Note added 2010-05-14: I now think this is a woolly alder sawfly, Eriocampa ovata.]

A sawfly, probably of species Eutomostethus ephippium (however, I am not sure if this is the only species of black sawfly with a bright red thorax).

Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2009-05-01.