Mid August 2022
A few years ago the scarce hoverfly Sericomyia superbiens was discovered at a small nature reserve in central Norfolk. This summer I finally got round to going to see if it was still present, bringing Jeremy, Vanna and Ian along to help look. Initial signs weren't too promising as the site looked quite dry and the target species apparently preferred wet areas with lots of Devil's-bit Scabious, however further along there were some damper bits. Ian found some of the scabious with white anthers infected by Devil's Bit Scabious Anther Smut (Microbotryum succisae), which was a new species for me. After a bit of searching I managed to find two Sericomyia superbiens, one of which hung around long enough for some photos.
After lunch we explored a bit more of the site and a nearby footpath. Vanna noticed a bolete growing along an old bank, which turned out to be the first Norfolk record of Boletus rhodoxanthus. Another new species for me, also found by Vanna, was the small conopid fly Thecophora atra.
Other interesting sightings included Pale Tussock Moth caterpillar, Mint Leaf Beetle, Yellow Pimpernel and Hazel Leaf Roller Weevil.
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