Video Eda Kuusk Männiste
Translation Liis 

Observation point near the Jõuga lakes, in East Viru County

The probably first video record of this phenomenon in Estonia is not perfect quality but has a documentary value in showing the variety of behaviour among species in our nature. Such a phenomenon is relatively rare.

What then is it about?

We may have to do with the maggots or larvae of the dark-winged fungus gnat /Sciara militaris/,  with a dark head and a  semi-translucent body, about 7 mm long. Habitat humid decaying matter in forests. As imagos the  gnats lok like ordinary mosquitoes but in this story we have to do with the larvae.

What makes the larvae move like this?

Text and photos  Aare Lindt, www.loodusmuuseum.ee
Translation Liis

The female gold swift waiting for a male here is browner

Gold swift    Väike-eistekedrik          Hepialus hecta

The gold swift occurs in the whole of Estonia and is common in conifer and mixed forests and  coppices.

Beginning in mid-June and until early August the moths can sometimes be seen flying in great numbers. They rarely come to artificial light since they are active already in the evening when it is light and stop before dusk.

Text and photos  Aare Lindt, www.loodusmuuseum.ee
Translation Liis

Scalloped oak moth

Scalloped oak moth     Röövvaksik     Crocallis elinguaria

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The scalloped oak occurs everywhere in Estonia and it is quite common in broadleaf and mixed forests, coppices and gardens. The moths are attracted to artificial light in July and the first half of August.