A Year in the Valley

A Year in the Valley

Discovering the flora and fauna in a small square of Portmellon Valley

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  • Limonia Fly

    Limonia Fly

    I thought this fly looked very striking with its patterned wing markings, but I assumed it was a crane fly.  Not so.  These are related to the crane flies (Tipulidae) but can be distinguished by the way they hold their wings at rest.  Crane flies usually hold their wings outstretched, but limonia flies fold theirs along the back of their body.  Both only have fore wings; the hind wings are reduced to little knobbles.  Limonia flies also tend to have aquatic or semi-aquatic larvae, whereas Tipulidae have land-based larvae.  I think this is a Limonia nubedulosa because of the wing pattern, stripy legs, and brown head. 

    Daisy D

    27 April 2024
    Insects
    Crane Fly, Limonia Fly

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  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
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  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • Spotted in September
  • Spotted in August
  • Spotted in July
  • Spotted in June
  • Conclusions