Description

Body length 6 - 8mm. The head is orange with red eyes. The thorax is black with a grey dusting. The wings have three dark bars and a spot at the tip.

Habitat

Wet, densely vegetated areas such as reed beds and well vegetated ditches. The larvae feed on rotting vegetable matter and sometimes manure.

Status and distribution

Local and mainly confined to England's coastal areas. Not so common inland. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire and recorded three times at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to September.