True flies
True flies have a single membranous pair of wings, unlike the 2 pairs most insects have. Some flies, such as hoverflies, are brightly coloured and very noticeable. Some mimic other insects such as wasps and bees. The UK has about 6,000 species of true fly.
Below are some of the true flies our Identification and Advisory Service team is most often asked about. Select one to find out more, including identification clues.
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St Mark’s fly, Bibio marci
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Banded hoverfly, Volucella zonaria
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Banded hoverfly, Volucella inanis
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Common bee-fly, Bombylius major
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Flesh fly, Sarcophaga carnaria
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Crane fly, Tipula paludosa
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Marmalade hoverfly, Episyrphus balteatus
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Window gnat, Sylvicola fenestralis
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Banded mosquito, Culiseta annulata
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Swift lousefly, Crataerina pallid
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Cluster fly, Pollenia rudis
Can't find your true fly?
If you want help identifying a true fly but can't see it in this gallery, you can post your own image and ask our experts and enthusiasts in the Bug forum.
