Last few days

 The hoverfly irruption began on the 3rd of August, with hoverflies virtually everywhere particularly on Hogweed, Common Ragwort and various thistles. Big numbers of some species like Eristalis pertinax (260), Syritta pipiens (260), Eristalis nemorum (120), Melanostoma scalare (71), Chrysogaster solstitialis (65), and Eristalis arbustorum (56). I recorded 40 species in total from Gilfach (west), Lletty Brongu lanes and Cwmfelin Park. New for the year were Melangyna umbellatarum, Syrphus vitripennis, Cheilosia scutellata and Volucella zonaria (in all 3 locations) taking me to 98 species for the year. Syrphus have finally emerged with all three species recorded for the first time this year, with Syrphus torvus (20) in good numbers. Other highlights include Dasysyrphus albostriatus, Cheilosia vernalis, Epistrophe glossulariae, Riponnensia splendens and record numbers of Myathropa florea (31).

Volucella pellucens

Volucella zonaria

Cheilosia scutellata

Epistrophe grossulariae

Rutpela maculata

Oncotylus viridflavus - new for the valley (larva foodplant - Knapweeds)

Sulphur Beetle at Gilfach (west) - The only place in the valley to see this mainly coastal/lowland species.