DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF SOME SPECIES OF SCATOPSIDAE (INSECTA, DIPTERA) AND THE EFFECT OF MICROCLIMATE ON THEIR FLIGHT ACTIVITY

Temporal and spatial distribution of common species of Scatopsidae and the effect of microclimate on their flight behaviour have been studie d using suction traps and computer-linked micro-meteorological station s in northern England. The flight patterns of spatial and temporal abu ndance were basically the same between two years. All species showed t heir active peak in the afternoons. There was a marked concentration a t 5 m height and 5 m away from an emergent hedgerow tree for all commo n species of scatopsids. The behaviour of mating, swarming and congreg ating were observed. Four commonest species, Rhegmoclema cooki, R. cox endix, Anapausis soluta and Scatopse notata, all showed very similar r esponses to the light intensity, temperature and humidity in their dai ly flight performance. However, the spatial distributions of these spe cies were not determined by these physical factors. It is suggested th at the combination of their mating swarming behaviour and the wind cir culation is important.