The title explains the gap in new postings.
The hedgerow is beginning to show signs of autumn: leaves are falling, and the season's growth is beginning to return to the soil. A few insects are still braving the Donegal 'humidity':
Eristalis tenax is the proper 'Drone Fly', although most other Eristalis sp. are known by the same common name.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZ447WZizBg/SM-AtWT5q3I/AAAAAAAAArc/m_BLygNSZX8/s400/eristalis-tenax-top-web.jpg)
It's a bit 'chunkier' than other similar species, although the dark wing shade and very broad facial band offer good close-up confirmation.
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZ447WZizBg/SM-AynNBwPI/AAAAAAAAArk/wH1gbZcCiQI/s400/tenax-face-web.jpg)
Leaf-miners don't have to brave the weather: they have a rather nice, dry habitat inside the leaf. This is
Phytomyza crassiseta, and must be rather scarce, since the UK reference sites didn't have any images (they do, now!).
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZ447WZizBg/SM-B5FkTlkI/AAAAAAAAArs/Zn1nQ6YDsLs/s400/phytomyza-crassiseta-web.jpg)
It mines Germander Speedwell, which is common enough, so it must be dependant on some other environmental conditions. New to me, and to Co. Donegal.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZ447WZizBg/SM-CC3wusjI/AAAAAAAAAr0/4SwZLHTal7c/s400/crassiseta-under-web.jpg)
In passing, I've included a shot of the twin rows of hairs which are diagnostic, if you're in any doubt about your Speedwells.
No comments:
Post a Comment