Posted by Gordon Jar on 10-07-2006 21:16
#1
The attached was photographed on 10/07/06 in South East England.
I have tentatively identified it as a Haematopota Sp. possibly crassicornis.
I'd be grateful for confirmation or correction.
Thankyou
Gordon
Edited by Gordon Jar on 10-07-2006 21:17
Posted by Tony Irwin on 10-07-2006 21:40
#2
This is a female Haematopota pluvialis. This species has a dorsal notch just before the end of the first, rather stubby segment, clearly shown on your excellent photo. Other British species have either a much longer first antennal segment, or have a stubby segment with no notch. All except for Alan Stubbs "silver cleg" - (Haematopota sp. A) known from only one specimen, but in that species the third segment is longer and thinner.
I visited the place where Alan caught his specimen the other day, and foolishly wandered into a Cladium bed wearing shorts! :o I hardly felt the big tabanids biting after that! :D No species A, though :(
Tony
Posted by Gordon Jar on 11-07-2006 15:16
#3
Thankyou Tony
I'll make a note never to walk into a 'Cladium bed' in shorts.
Regards Gordon