Description

Body length 7.5 - 10mm. In this species the male has a brownish thorax and abdomen with dark stripes on the thorax. The legs are brown and the wings are tinted. The female is paler with dark stripes on the thorax and dark bands on the abdomen. The legs are brown and the wings are clear.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows. At Netherfield Lagoons is often found on emergent vegetation beside water. The adults feed on nectar and other insects, the larvae feed on small invertebrates in damp soil and leaf litter.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in lowland Britain with a slight bias towards the west. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to July.