Myopa testacea - a new conopid for the patch

Myopa testacea, Rinsgtead Downs, 30th April 2017

Two new Conopids from Holme NWT

Conops quadrifasciatus, Holme NWT, 14th August 2016

Conops flavipes, Holme NWT, 14th August 2016

Conopid fly at Holme Marsh

    Checking the ponies at Holme Marsh yesterday I was introduced to Sicus ferrugineus by Robert Smith. It won't win many beauty contests but it's still a menacing looking beast especially as it is a parasitoid of various bumblebee species. It was very fond of the recently emerging creeping thistle flowers. Returning from the ponies I managed a very lucky shot of it in flight, notice the way it's abdomen curls under itself.