Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2008. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

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Alder fly - Sialis lutaria - Family: Sialidae

Alder fly - Sialis lutariaAlder fly - Sialis lutaria
© Roger Key/English Nature
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

The alder-fly is black with greyish-brown wings with black veins. It is very common and can be found near ponds and sluggish streams with silted bottoms and an abundance of weed or plant detritus. Despite its name, it has no association with alder trees, other than being found on foliage beside water, which is where alder is usually found. It lays its eggs in large batches of 200 or more on plants or other objects at the water's edge.

The larvae are aquatic, living amongst mud and detritus and preying on smaller insects. Adults can be seen resting on emergent vegetation around the pond, mainly in May and June, often in large numbers.

Food

The larvae live in silt at the bottom of ponds and are carnivorous.

Prey

Water invertebrates