Tiny Black Flies That Look Like Fleas When Landed

[shivvy]

For the last week or so I have noticed little black bugs appearing at dusk. They look very like fleas but they seem to sprout wings from under their bodies and can fly.
Has anyone got any idea what they are?
They caused havoc divebombing my cider this evening!

[bodeker]

Flying ants ? are everywhere at the moment

[shivvy]

Hmm, no - I think flying ants look similar to ordinary ants do they not?
These are little flea sized bugs and their wings are only visible when they initially land and then they seem to tuck them underneath again.

[1ozzy]

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/natureplus/thread/4336?fromGateway=true

There are some pictures here that you can click on to enlarge.
May help you identify the cider bombing pests.

[Gizmonster]

The fact that they are attracted to your cider, makes me think that they might be the pesky vinegar flies, as these are attracted by yeast
containing foods such as overripe fruit and vegetables, and particularly by liquids such as beer, wine and fruit juice.

https://www.exopest.com.au/pdfs/Fact_Sheet_Vinegar_Flies.pdf

[Chipchopper]

My guess is 'pollen beetles' a lot about at the mo.

[rowanwitch]

Definitely pollen beetles harmless but annoying put some cider in a dish they will be attracted to it

[horselady]

Yep-have the darned things all over the window ledges, I think they are pollen beetles.

[Norwichcropper]

Pollen Beetles .....perhaps

[shivvy]

Thanks for all your answers. There seem to be different types of pollen beetle and the wee flea-like ones are my culprits!
They only seem to appear at dusk when they are absolutely all over the place but then disappear again afterwards.

[Norwichcropper]

Go outside dressed in a hi vis vest then you'll find out if the're pollen beetles they love the bright colour

[shivvy]

Or I will make a hi-vis scarecrow and they might attack it and leave my cider alone!
Although my sister said that they were landing in her red wine in her garden so maybe they aren't so choosy about colour when it comes to booze!

[lankeela]

These seem to be what we call thunder bugs - or are they different?

[Chipchopper]

Pollen beetles and thunderbugs are two different things.
The pollen beetles are the wee roundish ones and the latter are the long, thin guys.