Trapped last night looking for Barred Tooth-striped. Despite a clear night that got cold fairly quickly, four were attracted to light. The supporting cast contained most of the usual suspects at this time of year.

In the afternoon before the trapping session I walked through the wood, which is still being cleared of conifers and beech trees in some areas. Near the Giant Sequoia, there were several patches of Primroses being visited by Bee Fly. I took these to be the usual Bombylius major but was delighted to spot the rare Bombylius discolor. This species has a UKBAP and is only found in 42 10K squares in the UK. The larvae feed in the nest burrows of solitary bees so the fortunes of the species are linked to the population strength of its hosts.  The tenuous link to moths is that these flies feed rather like Hummingbird Hawkmoth, the long proboscis is inserted down the tube of the flower while the fly often hovers with only its front legs touching the petals.

Bee Fly - Bombylius major

Spotted Bee Fly - Bombylius discolor