smallish round black flies in Norfolk

[Jules001]

Just back from holiday (stayed on Norfolk/Suffolk borders) and was plagued by these tiny little black flies, I don't think they were biters, but very annoying. Someone said they were thunder flies, but on Googling them they didn't look the same, has anyone got any idea what they are? Also if you are from round these parts, are they a regular summer nuisance or just a one off thing?

Many thanks

[rowanwitch]

possibly pollen beetles they fly in huge numbers

[redcrx]

http://www.gardenersw...ollen-beetle/main.jpg

yep, pollen beetles.

We are covered in them here and also what we all thunder flies (which arent the biting things just a long thin bug)

[Jules001]

that's them - thanks, now I know what they were and at least they didn't bite!

[LoftyLottie]

Thousands of them all over my garden and in the bath!! They are all over the stamens on all the flowers. I have never seen so many as this year. (North Norfolk). In fact, I have never really been aware of them before. We gets loads of thunder flies but these are bigger. Harmless though!!

[4getmenot]

arent thunder flies midgies?

[LoftyLottie]

Yep, thunder bugs, midges or thrips as they used to be called when I lived in Befordshire. Have you got them down the road? x

[mollykins]

Definatley, we're swamped by them, not wearing bright colours helps. x Molly

[joeluke]

They also target light coloured clothing, I was in town today and saw a boy wearing a luminous green t-shirt covered in loads of them, desperately trying to brush them off

[JUNKMAN]

We used to get those bigger files near where lived ( in Saffron Walden, Essex ) - I think they are attracted by all the oilseed rape fields that grow thereabouts

[joeluke]

Pollen beetles are a pest to oilseed rape

http://www.plantpress...ommonpollenbeetle.php