ID please for this insect

[toonamp]

I took this today at a lake. Does any one have any idea what it is. Some one says it's a wood wasp but I don't think so.

Any help would be apreciated

[nutmeg]

It's an alder fly - but I don't know enough about them to be any more specific.

[toonamp]

Thank you for that quick response Nutmeg

I googled and found this from Natural England




"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. "

[charlieb]

There are 3 species in Britain:

• Sialis fuliginosa Pictet, 1836
• Sialis lutaria (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Sialis nigripes Pictet, 1865

Sialis lutaria is the commonest (identification to species needs a microscope and a close look at its "bits" )

[toonamp]

Thanks Charlie b

[welsh.lensman]

A nice image toonamp, here's what the larvae looks like.

Taken last year at the Wetland centre S.Wales

[toonamp]

Thank you Welsh.lensman

That too is a good image.

Mine was taken with a little Panasonic FZ18, it's the camera I carry everywhere when not using my heavier gear. Ideal for situations such as the one with the alder fly