Sialis lutaria (Linnaeus, 1758)
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Distribution
British and Irish distribution of Sialis lutaria (Linnaeus, 1758) based on records held by the National Biodiversity Network.
Sialis lutaria (Linnaeus, 1758) is the commonest member of the genus Sialis, being found throughout England, Wales and Scotland in most static water bodies, although distribution is restricted in Ireland.
In order to distinguish Sialis lutaria (Linnaeus, 1758) from other species of Sialis, examination of the external genitalia (males) or anal plates (females) is required, but is relatively easy as no dissection is required.
The adults can found from April to October, sometimes in vast numbers, near to water and live for only a few days in order to breed. The eggs are laid on vegetation and after hatching the larva descend into the water where they predate on other invertebrates. After 12 – 24 months the larva pupate in debris and emerge as adults a few weeks later.
References and further information:
- ARKive – http://www.arkive.org/alderfly/sialis-lutaria/
- A Key to the Adults of British Lacewings and their Allies. Plant, C. W. (1997)
- Collins Complete British Insects. Chinery, M. (2005)
Distribution data supplied by:
- Dorset Environmental Records Centre
- National Trust
- Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre
- EcoRecord
- Royal Horticultural Society
- EcoRecord
- Biological Records Centre
- Tullie House Museum
- Countryside Council for Wales
- Highland Biological Recording Group
- Greenspace Information for Greater London
- Devon Biodiversity Records Centre
- Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- EcoRecord
- Exploring Your Environment Project
- Countryside Council for Wales
- Natural England
- National Trust for Scotland (staff)
- Pond Conservation
- Staffordshire Ecological Record
