Konstantynów, near Łódź

The resting fly is Thereva nobilitata. It is hypothesized to be native to the Nile River Valley, but now largely spread over temperate and tropical Eurasia. Herbal plant - the seeds are contraceptive, diuretic, emmenagogue and tonic, an infusion is used to calm the digestive system, whilst it is also used in the treatment of asthma and angina; the seeds are also used to regulate menstruation, and in the treatment of leprosy, kidney stones and urinary tract infections; a decoction of the ground-up seeds, eaten after intercourse, appears able to prevent implantation of the fertilized ovum in the uterus; a decoction of the seeds is used as a gargle in the treatment of toothache; the seeds contains furanocoumarins (including bergapten and xanthotoxin), which stimulate pigment production in skin that is exposed to bright sunlight, which can be used medically.