Description

Over all length 13 - 15mm. One of the 'Tiger' Craneflies. The head is pinkish-red with black eyes and a black mark towards the back. Dorsally the thorax is black with pale yellow markings, the sides are mainly yellow with black markings. The abdomen is a dull, dirty yellow with a thick dark, continuous line down its centre. The legs are a light brown and the wings have a dark stigma.

Habitat

Found in grassland and along hedgerows where it often feeds on umbelifers such as Cow Parsley and Hogweed.

Status and distribution

A common insect through most of England, slightly less common in Scotland. Very common on the reserve.

Best time to see

May to June.