We are well into fly season, any sunny day from now on is going to be accompanied by swathes of flies. Whilst you are batting them away from your picnic though, remember that without them our incredible summer migrants, the warblers, swifts, swallows and martins probably would not bother to make the journey. There is a huge variety of flies to be found, it is thought that over 7000 species of fly live in the UK! Bluebottle flies are distinguished by their distinctive coloration and loud buzzing flight, they are a big fly widespread throughout Europe. Female bluebottles lay their eggs on dead animals or other decomposing matter, as well as faeces, the smell of which can attract them from a distance of several kilometres. This is a large part of the reason why they are not welcome at picnics.
By River Six
