13/5/2011 near Ravenna, Italy
I noted this diptera bumping up and down in the grass on sandy ground. The yellow and black stripes were very evident when flying. Is it possible to identify it and how do you explain the strange behaviour (I was wondering whether it was eventually laying eggs). Thanks a lot for any help.
Edited by mammut on 23-01-2013 23:42
Posted by mammut on 05-03-2012 00:40
#2
crop of same picture
Posted by Rui Andrade on 05-03-2012 01:07
#3
I think I have made a video of the behaviour you described. YouTube Video
Posted by mammut on 05-03-2012 19:15
#4
Thanks Rui! Your right, your video (in particular the final sequence) shows the behaviour I noted. My specimen even went up und down for much higher distances.
How do you explain these movements?
Looking at your video I guess my specimen is a Nephrotoma sp., too.
By the way, compliments for your video - these extremely quick movements are not easy to capture!
Posted by Rui Andrade on 07-03-2012 01:10
#5
I think the female tipulid is ovipositing or testing the ground for suitable places to oviposit. But maybe others can explain this better.
Yes, I think your specimen is also Nephrotoma sp.
Thank you for the compliments!:)
Posted by mammut on 10-03-2012 00:47
#6
Thanks Rui!
Posted by pjotr oosterbroek on 20-05-2012 20:18
#7
This is Nephrotoma crocata. In SE France and Italy the species is much lighter coloured than in NW Europe. This lighter form was described as Nephrotoma hartigi by Mannheims, but all kinds of in-between specimens are known.
All the best,
Pjotr Oosterbroek
Posted by mammut on 23-01-2013 23:21
#8
Thank you very much Pjotr for your reply! I'm sorry I noted it only now...
kind regards
Franziska