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Hi people,

I have a couple of photos here of what I am inclined to think could be Machimus cingulatus. They're not yet on the species list for the site, but then even I have managed to add a handful of 'inverts' to this! (Not very experienced you see)

They were taken within fifty metres of each other, a few weeks apart in August this year, on a lowland heath site in Berkshire, England. Similar in size to atricapillus.

If anyone can confirm, dispute or give the limit of what can be inferred from these pics, I'd be very grateful.

Regards,
Darren.

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This one with what looks like Heterotoma planicornis

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It's pretty difficult to say for certain, but in general it's usually a choice of M atricapillus or M cingulatus. This looks to be quite a brown, as opposed to grey colour and it appears to have quite a few white hairs amongst the darker hairs, off the front of the face, so I am inclined to say M cingulatus, but really you need to have a specimen to be definitive about this.:(

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Thanks again Nigel. I thought this might well be the case. At least I was looking at similar indicators to yourself with regard to differences between the two species.
I think I will have to give some serious thought about collecting specimens next year. Being so new to it I was thinking of leaving it until I had a really good grounding in the more common invertebrates, otherwise I'd end up needlessly collecting specimens of things that might be readily identifiable.
Maybe if I start with a small family, like Asilidae (in the UK), first?

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Starting with a single family is what a lot of people do with diptera I think. I would guess the most popular is Syrphidae.

Asilidae have the advantage that there is good accessible literature on the family that a serious newbie could use without frustrating themselves too much (I mean here of course Stubbs and Drake, British Soldierflies and their Allies). The family is rated as easy to moderate with some species a little more difficult.

The disadvantage is that we are a bit light on with Asilid experts on diptera.info.

How often do you see Asilids? Do you have someone local who can confirm your IDs while you learn? I don't see enough in east London/Thames estuary to ensure I get to grips with them, but if you've got a handy heath, things might be different.

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Hi Sue,

Thanks for the reply. I know what you mean regarding accessible reference material. Quite amazing that after all the years and all the translations to the internet that there are so few coherent, rigourous sites. Stop the next dome and give our entomologists a real budget!

Yes, the relatively small number of species in the UK could work well in my disorganised world (and relatively small abode). I live near the River Kennet and Savernake Forest and virtually pass Snelsmore Common on the way home from work. I think this would give me reasonable access to around ten of the species (unless Savernake is a treasure trove!).
As for a local expert I think the ranger at Snelsmore might help with a contact. Still, plenty of time to consider it soon. A few more weeks and the weather will have changed. :(

Thanks,
Darren.

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Hi Darren,

As you're fairly local to Dinton Pastures, in east Reading, I'd suggest you join the BENHS and come along to a few open days or workshops there and make some contacts. We usually have plenty of people there on the second & fourth Sundays in winter months and you can always collar someone to help you out with a confirmation or two... or three! ;) The entomological library is excellent and the collections are fairly complete in the popular groups. PM me if you want more details. :)

Cheers,
Chris R.