I'm sending you a photo of a black insect I found in the house. It's 2cm long with orange bands on its back. Is it a bee or a fly?
Ann Mc Cague
Scotstown, Co Monaghan
It is a sexton or burying beetle. Working in pairs, they bury small carcasses, such as those of mice or birds, by digging a hole under them. The female then lays her eggs near the buried corpse, and both adults and larvae feed on the carrion.
Do swifts, martins or swallows interact when competing for food? Do they chase particular insects or just open their mouths and take whatever they catch?
John Mullins
Cork
They separate into different strata of air, based on height from the ground. Martins generally feed higher than swallows, and swifts higher again. With their spectacular eyesight they can pick out larger insects.
In mid July I watched two pheasants bowing and curtsying to each other. Is this a territorial ritual?
Judith Doherty
Inishowen, Co Donegal
Yes. and they also fly up in the air at each other in mock attack.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address
