Dark Fly Fox - Ectemnius continuus
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Species Description
Widespread and fairly frequent throughout the UK; becoming less so further North. Habitat includes: Anywhere with a good supply of rotting wood and prey items (Flies) in places such as woodland rides and clearings, wetlands, coasts, field margins, gardens, parks, allotments, churchyards wasteland etc. Life story: Females create nests by tunneling burrow systems into rotting wood such as fence posts, old decking etc. The tunnels may be straight or branched and consists of up to ten cells. She will then prey on various medium-sized flies (Syrphids, Muscids, Calliphorids, Tabanids, Therevids) to bring back to her freshly excavated nest into which she stuffs the prey into (with 6 - 8 flies) until it is jam-packed. She then lays her eggs on top. Adults nectar on various Umbellifers such as Angelica, Hogweed, Wild Carrot, Wild Parsnip, Fennel, Hedge-parsley, Water-dropwort etc. but will also use Thistles, Ragworts, Yarrow and Spurges. The flowers are also where the prey items are caught; by landing onto the prey from behind and grabbing hold whilst it's occupied. Flight period: May to Late September (mainly June, July and August).