A Ranger writes

Countryside Ranger Richard English shares his knowledge of hoverflies.

Wild animals adopt a variety of lifestyles and techniques to avoid predators and other threats. These often take the form of ‘fight or flight’ reactions – either standing and defending themselves or taking to their heels (assuming they have heels, that is). One alternative strategy is known as mimicry and effectively involves hiding in plain sight. In mimicry, a harmless animal displays the outward signs (such as colouration and behaviour) of a much more threatening species. Plants can also display mimicry, as demonstrated by the number of non-stinging species (dead-nettles, hemp-nettles, hedge woundwort etc.) that will lurk, safe from grazing animals, within nettle patches.

An example of mimicry in the insect world comes in the form of hoverflies. There are about two hundred and fifty species of hoverfly in the UK, in a variety of shapes and sizes. What they have in common is their colouration – they are generally yellow and black, and bear more than a passing resemblance to bees and wasps. As a result, hoverflies gain a measure of protection against predators such as birds (and can also cause terror amongst small children). All this despite the fact that hoverflies have no sting whatsoever and are essentially defenceless. Some species have even evolved to mimic the stinging action of wasps and, if threatened, will thrust their back end towards its attacker, despite the absence of a stinger.

One species, Volucella bombylans (catchy name), has taken things a step further. The female lays her eggs in the nests of bees and wasps, and once the young hatch they live there as scavengers, feeding on debris and sometimes even on the larvae of their hosts. Hoverfly larvae generally can be very useful things to have around, as many of them feed on garden pests such as aphids.

One of our commonest hoverflies is Episyrphus balteatus, which is also known as the much more easily remembered ‘marmalade hoverfly’. They have the characteristic orange/yellow and black colouration and can be found in large numbers gathered around flowers, in order to feed on nectar. They are important pollinators, as indeed are most hoverfly species.

Despite their frail appearance, marmalade hoverflies are a migratory species, with many individuals overwintering in southern Europe and northern Africa. Others, especially adult females, will brave the elements, remaining in northern areas over the winter months.

Another common species worth looking out for is Helophilus pendulus. The name is Greek and can be vaguely translated as ‘hanging marsh lover’ and perhaps reflects the species’ fondness for damp habitats. Like many hoverflies, its larvae are aquatic and can be found in lakes, ditches, ponds and puddles. It’s also known as the sun fly, which is probably due to a mistranslation of the scientific name – helo meaning ‘marsh, but helio meaning ‘sun’.

This species is a little bigger than many hoverflies and has distinctive black and yellow vertical stripes on its thorax (although other closely related species also show these). These stripes have led to this hoverfly also being known as ‘the footballer’, suggesting that whoever came up with name was a supporter of East Fife or Berwick Rangers.

Safety in the Summer

Safety in the Summer

If you’re planning to head outdoors this summer, take a moment to make sure your adventures stay fun in the sun (and in all the other variations of Scottish summer weather!)

Protect yourself in the sun

What steps are you taking to protect yourself from the sun during the warmer weather? Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy that is naturally released by the sun and artificially by sunbeds.

There are two main types of UV ray that can damage our skin and cause skin cancer:

• UVB reaches the out layer of the skin (epidermis) and causes most sunburns.
• UVA reaches deeper into the inner layer of the skin (dermis) and is responsible for ageing the skin.

You need sunlight for your body to make Vitamin D which is important for bone health.  However too much exposure to UV radiation can increase your risk of skin cancer, and also cause eye damage. Wearing a high factor ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen is one of the best – and easiest – ways to protect your skin’s health and appearance at any age. Broad spectrum refers to sunscreens that protect the skin from UVB and UVA rays. Used regularly, broad-spectrum sunscreen helps to prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature ageing. Wearing suitable sunglasses can protect your eyes too.

Sunscreen and sun safety

Simple ways to protect yourself from the sun

 

 

Be safe around water

Planning to go swimming or doing some water sports? Whether you’re heading to the pool, beach or open water beauty spot make sure you and your family are aware of the Water Safety Code

Here are some essential safety tips to keep everyone safe from accidental drowning:

General Water Safety

• supervise children at all times near water, even if they can swim.
• never swim alone—always use the buddy system.
• learn CPR and basic first aid in case of emergencies.
• avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers.

Beach and Sea Safety

• swim near lifeguards and follow their instructions.
• check for warning flags and understand what they mean (e.g. red = high hazard).
• beware of rip currents—swim parallel to the shore to escape them.
• watch for sea life like jellyfish.

Boating and Watercraft Safety

• wear a life jacket—even strong swimmers should wear one.
• check the weather forecast before heading out.
• avoid overloading boats or watercraft.
• keep emergency equipment like flares, whistles, and radios on board.

 

Find A Tick? Remove It Quick

Enjoy the outdoors but be ‘tick aware’.

Ticks are small, spider-like creatures found in woodland, grassy fields, moors and some urban parks and gardens. They attach to human or animal skin and feed on blood and can cause serious human diseases including Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.

• reduce your chance of tick bites by walking on clearly defined paths, using insect repellent and performing regular tick checks.
• if you get a tick bite, remove ticks safely and as quickly as possible. The safest way is to use a pair of fine-tipped tweezer or a tick removal tool.
• if you develop flu-like symptoms or a spreading circular rash after you’ve been bitten, promptly contact your GP or dial NHS 111.