Flecked Snout
Nemotelus notatus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemotelus_notatus
Overview
The Flecked Snout (Nemotelus notatus) is a distinctive soldier fly characterized by its metallic green-black body with prominent pale yellow or white flecked markings on the thorax and abdomen. Adults are typically found near wetland margins and serve as important pollinators for various flowering plants, while their larvae play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter in aquatic sediments.
The Flecked Snout (Nemotelus notatus) is declining primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of wetland environments where its larvae develop. Agricultural intensification, drainage of wetlands, and water pollution from agricultural runoff have significantly reduced suitable breeding sites for this specialized soldier fly species.
Habitat
Flecked Snouts inhabit shallow, slow-moving freshwater environments including pond margins, ditches, and marshy areas with abundant emergent vegetation. The larvae specifically require clean, oxygen-rich sediments in these aquatic systems where organic detritus accumulates.
Other threatened species in Stratiomyidae
Threatened in Åland Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is Flecked Snout classified as Endangered?
Where does Flecked Snout live?
What are the main threats to Flecked Snout?
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