Description

Length about 7mm. Mostly black flies. The males have swellings on their front legs which produce silk to wrap nuptial gifts of insects in when they approach a female to mate. The photo is of a female, possibly Hilara maura.

Habitat

Luxuriant vegetation, normally close to water. The adults dance in mating swarms near tree tops. Adults eat other insects, mostly flies, and the larvae predate small organisms in the soil.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread throughout Britain. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire and recorded twice at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to July.