Ian Hunt
Tipula vernalis -- first one I've seen, a sign of Spring -- at Gillespie Park, #Islington, reclaimed from railway and industrial land. A common cranefly with an interesting wing pattern and striking green eyes. #Bioabundance matters in different ways, and just as much, as #Biodiversity. #ClimateDiary #insects
May 18, 2023 at 8:15amWeb
Show threadMax, overwintering bugMay 18, 2023
@ianhunt what are the criteria to tell T. vernalis in the genus ?
Show threadIan HuntMay 18, 2023
@StrepsipZerg If I get a look at the eyes with a lens -- green! -- that is a positive sign; plus, T. vernalis is very common, so likely. But there are about 61 species in Tipula in UK, and I know little -- I am not skilful in the uses of keys, either. More info on the Cranefly Recording Scheme site https://dipterists.org.uk/cranefly-scheme/home
Cranefly Recording Scheme | Dipterists forum

Show threadPauline von HellermannMay 18, 2023
@ianhunt /such a beautiful picture. It's so nice to think that these little micro worlds of wonder really exist everywhere, including central London, when we look closely