The Society for the study of flies (Diptera)
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#1 2011-05-27 17:09:28
- ALP
- Registered user
- Name: Alan Phillips
- From: Lincolnshire
- Registered: 2009-06-12
- Posts: 6
Nephrotoma crocata nest site preference
From what little info can gather, Nephrotoma crocata is associated with heathland. I'm presuming this is related to the species possible preference for sandy or acidic ground (and associated vegetation) for laying eggs rather than any link with heather itself?
I ask as in the last month or so, whilst surveying for bees and wasps, I've encountered (1 at a Notts site; 4 at a Lincs site) this species among rabbit burrows or diggings in bare sandy areas giving the impression of it 'inspecting', possibly for suitable egg laying sites. These were at former gravel/sand workings with no heather present.
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#2 2011-05-28 19:59:18
- johnkramer
- DF Members
- Name: John Kramer
- From: Oadby, Leicester
- Registered: 2008-02-20
- Posts: 183
Re: Nephrotoma crocata nest site preference
These are good records, Alan, so any details would be appreciated (Date, location, GR, nature of habitat.) N. crocata is associated with sandy habitats, and my guess is that it would either be ovipositing, or testing the substrate for suitability for oviposition. I don't know whether the species lays singly, or in batches. The ovipositor is long and pointed, indicating that it pushed the eggs into the sand, rather than scattering them.
John Kramer
Cranefly Recording Scheme
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#3 2011-05-28 21:02:58
- ALP
- Registered user
- Name: Alan Phillips
- From: Lincolnshire
- Registered: 2009-06-12
- Posts: 6
Re: Nephrotoma crocata nest site preference
Hi John, thanks for that. I'll sort the records out. I sent a similar record of the species to you a couple of years ago.
Alan
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#4 2011-09-21 11:31:54
- conops
- Registered user
- Name: andy jukes
- From: staffs
- Registered: 2008-04-17
- Posts: 11
Re: Nephrotoma crocata nest site preference
i saw N.crocata in a sand quarry (loose, mobile sandy, sparse vegetation) in north Lincolnshire this year (record data will follow). It was a female and was flying low over the sand with the tip of the abdomen regularly touching the sand surface. i can't conclude anything from it as Im not a cranefly person (sorry!) , but is simply and observation and maybe ties in/compliments/complicates with other info the cranefly bods have.
Andy
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#5 2012-01-10 18:37:29
- johnkramer
- DF Members
- Name: John Kramer
- From: Oadby, Leicester
- Registered: 2008-02-20
- Posts: 183
Re: Nephrotoma crocata nest site preference
I don't think I've received the details of your record yet, Andy. North Lincs seem to be a stronghold for N. crocata. I guess the sandy substrate must be just right. It would be good to monitor it regularly. Damp sand is probably quite vulnerable to any climate warming.
John K
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#6 2012-05-29 17:10:39
- dan_wrench
- Registered user
- Name: Array Array
- Registered: 2012-05-29
- Posts: 1
Re: Nephrotoma crocata nest site preference
I found N.crocata at a Limestone quarry in Shropshire on Sunday. Certainly no heather there. Some damp silty and sandy areas nearby but I saw it dissappearing into crevices between rocks over mixed, stoney ground (have bad photos of it in such a crevice if needed). I've a blurred photo of it here: http://bit.ly/K475do
Dan
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