Species of the Month: April 2018

Tipula rufina

 

A member of the very under recorded family of Tipulidae, Tipula rufina is one of approximately 300 British species of Craneflies. Fortunately this species is relatively easy to identify, thanks to the heavy black line on the thorax, shown in the photo. The species has mottled wings with a dark stigma. If you can get a good view of the side of the thorax (ideally in a photograph), this species is straightforward to identify and record. They are particularly active during spring and are often found in and around buildings.

The species can be found throughout south Wales, but is very under recorded with just 89 records in the SEWBReC database. You can view the Welsh distribution of Tipula rufina on Aderyn.

More photos and information about Tipula rufina can be found on NatureSpot, and you can also connect with the national Cranefly Recording Scheme on Twitter.

If you spot Tipula rufina during April (or at any other time of year), please send us the record, ideally via SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here.