Description

Body length 18 - 20mm. A very ornately marked cranefly. The head and thorax are grey/brown, with black and then bright buff bases to the antennae. The abdomen is buff/brown with pale rear ends to each segment and a broken darker brown line along its length. The legs have two black rings on the femur and the wings are pale buff with black, lace-like markings of circles and spots.

Habitat

Woodland and woodland edge where the larvae feed on rotting wood.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in England and Wales but rather scarce in Scotland. Common in Nottinghamshire and recorded three times at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to June.