#alderflies

sialis lutaria

s. lutaria is a species of alderfly found in europe (excluding scandinavia). the adult of this species can be found near ponds and streams and the larvae live in mud and underwater detritus (waste). the female s. lutaria will lay its eggs on plants that overhang the waters. the larvae will then fall into the water, proceeding to feed on other invertebrates for around 2 years until they emerge out of the water to mate. the adults only live around 2-3 days, because they cant eat!

pic. 1: adult s. lutaria, credit: user hectonichus on wikipedia

Day 1.

Alderflies.

Alderflies are fleeting creatures, living only a week or two. In their small, insignificant lives, they begin by emerging from their eggs, which are near water. They are aquatic creatures. They breathe through caudal respiratory tubes and can live in very hypoxic places, like water or babies born with HIE. They have 3 pairs of legs. They eat as larvae, but because they do not live long, they usually do not eat in their adult lifetimes. As larvae, they engage in cannibalism and consume other aquatic insects or plants with their sharp pincers. Spiders and birds eat them. They are nocturnal creatures.

They do not harm humans.