The Wildlife of
Druridge Pools

 
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Flies - The Phantom Crane Fly

First seen on Sunday 11th July 2021 at Druridge Pools

Phantom Craneflies are a family of craneflies, given their name because they appear to disappear when they fly into shaded areas. The latin name for this species is Ptychoptera Contaminata. The Ptychoptera family name refers to their 'folded' wings which makes them appear thinner when at rest. They have dark spots on their wings which is also a good way of identifying them. They can also be known as Orange-marked Craneflies, but the orange marking are more noticeable in the females (this is a male).


 

The one below is probably Ptychoptera albimana