Nature notes: what animal was discovered in Bushy Park?

By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter 14th Jun 2021

Today's story is one for all the budding gnat-uralists out there, as only six years ago a new species of fly was discovered right here in Kingston's Bushy Park!

Amateur dipterist Peter Chandler was studying fungus gnats he'd found in the park's Waterhouse Woodland Gardens, when he observed that the gnats' genitals were different to those of the species common in Britain, Grzegorzekia collaris.

Chandler, who won an award for amateur naturalists back in 2005, decided to name the new species of fly Grzegorzekia bushyae after the site of its discovery.

Writing in the Entomologist Gazette he said: "With Bushy Park remaining the only known site in Britain, it is difficult to determine the present status of Grzegorzekia bushyae.

"In view of the finds being in close proximity to the woodland garden, in which there has been considerable exotic planting, it might be concluded that it is a recent introduction with plant material.

"The recent discovery of this distinctive species suggests that it is quite scarce."

Chandler later found more Grzegorzekia bushyae in a forest in south-east France, leading him to hypothesise that this particular insect is only found in woodland areas.

Claudia Watts, who works in The Royal Parks' ecology team, said at the time: "This is really exciting news for the Royal Parks, and particularly because the new species has been named after the park where it was discovered.

"Most people think that new species to science are only discovered nowadays in little-visited far-flung places like tropical rainforests or the depths of the ocean, but this shows that even public parks in London can harbour undiscovered gems.

"These little flies may look unremarkable, but they are a vital source of food for birds, fish, bats and larger insects, and in some cases can help pollinate plants."

     

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
kingston vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: kingston jobs

     

Can we count on you? Local news is the heartbeat of Kingston
— it needs your support.

For less than the price of a cup of coffee each month,
you can help us keep telling the stories that matter to Kingston.
Support local journalism. Protect your community.

Thank you to those of you that have already contributed.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide kingston with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Kingston. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience