The eggs are said to be laid on or in the nests of bees
and wasps where the larvae develop, feeding on the refuse of
the nest. The characteristic bee shape and coloration is
obviously of advantage here. The other colour form resembles
the black and yellow bumble bees. The fly is again shining
black, but the abdomen has two bands of brilliant yellow
hairs across it and the thorax is similarly clothed. Both
forms have shiny wings with dark markings across them.
Any visit to an Essex wood would provide these and
many other equally fascinating insects, other habitats such
as grassland or even the nettle patch in the back garden will
produce a wealth of equally interesting species.
Ron Allen
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ESSEX DEER SURVEY
About five years ago a survey of the distribution of
deer in Essex was started, This venture was sponsored by
both the Club and the Essex Naturalists' Trust,
Most of the county has now been covered, and fallow
deer are common in many areas north of a line joining
Brentwood, Chelmsford and Colchester, Fallow deer have
been found in very few areas south of this line. Both
muntjac and red deer have been recorded from a few scattered
areas but there have been no confirmed records of roe, sika
or Chinese water deer.
Because the records span five years, spot-checks are
being carried out to check the older records. The aim is
to try to produce a complete survey of the distribution of
deer in Essex, which is accurate for 1971. It is hoped that
members will assist in completing this survey by sending any
records (both old and new) of deer or signs of deer, press
reports, hearsay, etc. to me as soon as possible. Offers to
assist with the spot-checks of various areas would also be
most welcome. These should be sent to: Mr. Donald Chapman,
East Lodge, Lanwades Park, Kennett, Newmarket, Suffolk.
Tel: Kentford 559.
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