Description

Over all length 22 - 26mm. Body a buff-grey with dark markings on the thorax and two dark lines down the sides of the abdomen. The wings are quite heavily marked in dark and light along the front half. The legs are reddish near the body, shading to dark before the first joint.

Habitat

Damp boggy areas and muddy stream sides, where the larvae develop in the rotting vegetation.

Status and distribution

A local species, mainly found in England and Wales and to a lesser extent in Scotland. Tends towards the wetter west of the country. On the reserve is found along the Lower Path where there are damp, muddy patches.

Best time to see

April to June.