Flies and other insects
True Flies
There are more than 5000 species of Diptera, the true flies, in Britain so only a very few are shown here.
Spotted Crane-fly
![Spotted Cranefly](400/spotted-cranefly.jpg)
One of the many British craneflies, this one is common in gardens.
St Mark's Fly
![St Mark's Fly](400/st-marks-fly.jpg)
Named because it appears around St Mark's day (25th April). Often hovers at about head height with long dangling legs.
Horse-fly
![Horse-fly](400/horsefly.jpg)
This is one of several species of Horse-fly, most of which can give a nasty bite. Often found near grazing pasture.
Bee-fly
![Bee-fly](400/bee-fly.jpg)
Easily recognised and although the rigid proboscis, used for feeding on nectar, looks alarming this insect is harmless.
Tachina fera
![Tachina fera](400/tachina-fera.jpg)
This fairly large fly is easily recognised by its reddish legs, yellow wing bases and brick-coloured sides to its abdomen.
Greenbottle
![Greenbottle](400/Greenbottle.jpg)
Very common in gardens and easily recognised by its irridescent green colour.
Other Insects
Scorpion Fly
![Scorpion Fly](400/scorpion-fly.jpg)
This harmles insect is named after the scorpion-like tail of the male. It feeds on dead insects, often stolen from spider's webs.
Green Lacewing
![Green Lacewing](400/green-lacewing.jpg)
There are several species of lacewing, mostly green, although some are brown. They feed mainly on aphids.
Alderfly
![Alderfly](400/alderfly.jpg)
The Alderfly has smokey wings, thick dark veins, and is always found near water.