The Hoverfly's World

Hoverflies are few and far between at this time of year, so here is a picture from a month or so back.

Photo taken on 2008-08-30 in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK.

Oak Gall

A gall on the underside of an oak leaf, probably the result of infestation by the smooth spangle gall wasp (Neuroterus albipes). Each gall contains a developing wasp.  In the autumn they fall to the ground with the leaves and stay there until the spring.  Then the wasp emerges to mate and the females lay their eggs in new oak buds. 

Comma Butterfly

A comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album), so-called because of the little white C-shape or 'comma' on the underside of its wings ('c-album' being Latin for 'white-C').  Photos take in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-09-21.

Butterflies of this species that hatch early in the summer and which will breed and die in the same year, tend to have lighter underwings.  Those, like this one, which hatch later in the summer and which overwinter and breed the following year, tend to have darker underwings.

End of Season Hoverfly

A hoverfly; I have no idea of its genus, never mind the species.  There are around 250 species of hoverfly in Britain and the insect guides I have only cover a dozen or so between them.  Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-09-20.

Scorpion Fly

A female scorpion fly of the genus Panorpa.  Photos taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK on 2008-09-20.  Male scorpion flies have rather imposing scorpion-like stings at the end of their tail.  I cannot recall ever having seen one of these flies before.  This one was spotted by my daughter Zoe, but I took the photos.