Can anyone identify these insects?

[User269]

Millions of them everywhere, seem them before in hot/humid weather. Last few days we've had a real plague. Photo shows some in a cobweb. They're about this size; -
They're so small they got into my PC monitor on more than one occasion, and I kept wondering why there were these random letter i's all over the place.

 

[vickster]

Thunder bugs?

 

[Tail End Charlie]

Having looked closely, I can categorically state they are little black flies.

 

[Beebo]

Flying ants, small variety not the big ones.

 

[theclaud]

Another vote for thunder bugs (aka thunder flies or thrips).

 

[raleighnut]

Another vote for thunder bugs (aka thunder flies or thrips).

3rd vote here.

 

[rich p]

Another vote for thunder bugs (aka thunder flies or thrips).

Are they killer thrips like the other deadly bugs I found?

 

[theclaud]

Are they killer thrips like the other deadly bugs I found?

Well they have been known to cause heart attacks in wussy old drunks.

 

[jefmcg]

Let me see: 6 legs; head, thorax, abdomin.

Yup, they're insects.

 

[graham bowers]

I know them as harvest flies.

 

[User269]

Doh! I know they're 'thunder bugs' ..........that's we call 'em too. But what are they actually called, what's they're life cycle, and what sort of bikes do they ride?
Will look up 'thrips'.

 

[User269]

I told you I would...........and I did! Thrips.

Thanks all. I did a search earlier for 'tiny, thin instects' but couldn't find nuffink, (apart from a link to Chris Froome).

 

[Glow worm]

Another vote for thunder bugs or thrips as they’re also called. I’m currently out on a ride on the Fen and am covered in the things.

They get into our picture frames and one even died behind my work laptop screen and it looks just like a comma. I keep trying to delete it- drives me nuts !

 

[Fnaar]

Have been menaced by them on a recent ride, I feel I now know them better, having just read about how they fly ('clap and fling') and their asymmetric mouth parts.

 

[pawl]

Thunder bugs?

Definitely