St Mark’s fly, Bibio marci
St Mark’s fly, Bibio marci (submitted by NaturePlus user Dinahsaw)
This fly gets its name because the adults emerge around St Mark’s Day, 25th April. It is a large, hairy, black fly that is easily recognised by the males’ ‘dancing’ up-and-down flight and long legs which hang down. The females have much smaller eyes and heads and smoky brown wings (males have clear wings). Common during May and June this species can be found in rough grassland, hedgerows and around woodland edges. Adult St Mark’s flies are thought to be important pollinators of fruit trees and other crops.
