DIPTERA > BRACHYCERA | Higher Diptera

MUSCOMORPHA > SCHIZOPHORA > Acalypratae > Diopsoidea > Megamerinidae (1 species)

(subfamilies: none)

This particular family consists of a single, rather scarce species Megamerina dolium, commonly known as the Bearded Fool Fly; a name that I believe was inspired by an old traditional folk story, and which was originally adopted as a vague reference to the patch of white hairs behind the eyes.

It's an unusual fly, somewhat resembling an ichneumonid wasp. Adults average around 8mm long and are characterised by their elongated, black lustrous, slender bodies and reddish-orange legs. Once seen they are pretty much unmistakable.

Megamerina dolium is only likely to be found in ancient or old woodland with the majority of records coming from the south east or central region of the country, although with a few isolated sightings further north. There are less than a handful of confirmed records from Dorset, the last of which was back in 2009.

The larvae develop under the bark of dead or dying broadleaved trees and are thought to be predatory or necrophagous on the larvae of other insects. The adults are largely found on tree trunks or resting on leaves in close proximity to the larval habitats.

New family, added Nov.24