Nest Skipper Fly (Neottiophilum praeustum) female

Description:

This distinctive fly is sometimes called the Nest Skipper Fly. The larvae are parasites of birds, sucking the blood of nestlings. It has been found in nests of various birds, e.g. Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Linnets, Thrushes and Blackbirds. The name Skipper refers to the ability of the maggots to jump or skip several cm by bending then suddenly straightening. I found this specimen in my conservatory.ID confirmed by Tony Irwin, see www.dipteristsforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?pid=13659There are currently no records for this species on the NBN Gateway for East Suffolk and only one in the whole of the county.The details of this record are:Neottiophilum praeustum (female)Ipswich, East SuffolkTM1664450229-Apr-2014indoorsFound by Martin CooperDetermined by Tony Irwin