Mon 2008-09-15 
A crane fly, probably of the species Tipula paludosa. The blunt end to the abdomen means that this is a male. Female crane flies have sharp-ended abdomens which are easier to push into the ground when laying eggs.
Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-09-14.
Sun 2008-09-14 
A hemipteran bug of some sort. Photo taken this morning by my daughter Zoe in Reading University grounds.
Thu 2008-09-04 
Another hoverfly, probably a male Sphaerophoria scripta. Photo taken in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-08-30.
Tue 2008-09-02 
A fly, probably a female Graphomyia maculata. My attention was first drawn to it by its rather striking spotty rear-end (see photo below). The males of this species have a black and orange abdomen.
Both photos taken beside the top lake in Reading University grounds, Reading, UK, on 2008-08-30.
Sun 2008-08-31 
Yesterday Zoe photographed this fly which alighted on my back during our walk round the Reading University grounds. It is probably a red-legged robber fly (Dioctria rufipes). Note the white 'beard' which is said to protect the eyes from damage by struggling prey.
[Note added 2011-03-30: The side of the thorax looks wrong for Dioctria rufipes. Probably not a Dioctria sp. ]
