Record Highlights
Lipsothrix nervosa (Tipulidae)
Recorded by: Phil Brighton
Determined by: Phil Brighton
This cranefly is a specialist of dead wood habitats and is considered regionally rare. Prior to this discovery, there was only a single VC60 record, made by Martin Drake at Berry’s Plantation in 2013.
Molophilus bihamatus (Limoniidae)
Recorded by: Phil Brighton
Determined by: Phil Brighton
A rarely recorded cranefly, the genus contains numerous small and often overlooked species requiring microscopic examination. Records of M. bihamatus remain scarce in the region.
Molophilus pleuralis (Limoniidae)
Recorded by: Phil Brighton
Determined by: Phil Brighton
Another scarce cranefly from Crag Bank, this species is particularly associated with habitats influenced by slightly brackish conditions.
Colobaea bifasciata (Sciomyzidae)
Recorded by: Phil Brighton
Determined by: Phil Brighton
This snail-killing fly has only one previous regional record, recorded by Darwyn Sumner at Brock Bottom in 1995. Species of Sciomyzidae are often linked to wetlands where their larvae prey on or parasitise snails.
Tetanocera fuscipennis (Sciomyzidae)
Recorded by: Phil Brighton
Determined by: Phil Brighton
Although widespread nationally, it remains infrequently recorded in the North West.
Lipara lucens (Chloropidae)
Recorded by: Phil Brighton
Determined by: Phil Brighton
This fly induces characteristic galls within reed stems. While probably under-recorded, records remain relatively uncommon in the region.
Cryptonevra flavitarsis (Chloropidae)
Recorded by: Phil Brighton
Determined by: Phil Brighton
Reared from reed stems and Lipara galls. This specimen represents only the third known North West occurrence.
Platypalpus luteolus (Hybotidae)
Recorded by: Phil Brighton
Determined by: Phil Brighton
This record appears to be the first for the region. A member of the large genus of small Hybotidae, these tiny predatory flies can often be seen running rapidly across leaves in search of even smaller prey.
Blepharomyia pagana (Tachinidae)
Recorded by: Nicola Garnham
Determined by: Nicola Garnham
Reared from a Xestia caterpillar. This robust tachinid fly is a parasitoid of several species of moth caterpillars. Widespread but local species, usually found in older broadleaved woodland. This record is a first for VC60.
Chloriona unicolor (Delphacidae)
Recorded by: Keith Fowler
Determined by: Keith Fowler
This planthopper represents only the second VC60 record and the first since 1979.
Edwardsiana crataegi (Cicadellidae)
Recorded by: Keith Fowler
Determined by: Keith Fowler
Only the third VC60 record and the first since 1980. Typically associated with Hawthorn, though also found on other trees.
Florodelphax leptosoma (Delphacidae)
Recorded by: Keith Fowler
Determined by: Keith Fowler
This represents only the second VC60 record. The first was also discovered at Crag Bank in 2025.
Kybos butleri (Cicadellidae)
Recorded by: Keith Fowler
Determined by: Keith Fowler
A first VC60 record for this willow-associated leafhopper.
Megamelodes quadrimaculata (Delphacidae)
Recorded by: Jim Cresswell
Determined by: Keith Fowler
A first VC60 record.
Paraliburnia clypealis (Delphacidae)
Recorded by: Jim Cresswell
Determined by: Keith Fowler
Also a first VC60 record.
Theridiosoma gemmosum (Theridiosomatidae)
Recorded by: Dominic Best
Determined by: Dominic Best
This orb-weaving spider is easily overlooked due to its small size and specialised habits. It constructs a distinctive conical web, often in damp, shaded situations close to water.
Widely distributed across Southern England. This is the species’ most northern record.
Callitula pyrrhogaster (Platypezidae)
Recorded by: Jim Cresswell
Determined by: Jim Cresswell
Date: 5 June 2026
Site: Crag Bank
County / VC: Lancashire (VC60)
This tiny parasitic flightless wasp is the most northerly known record in England. The only record further north in Britain appears to be from Lower Largo, Fife, in 2004.