Description

Body length 6 - 9mm. The head is dull yellow marked with white lines and the eyes are red. The thorax is grey with darker stripes and the abdomen is orange, darker on top. The legs are yellow with orange bands on the femora. The leading edge of the wings has a net-like pattern.

Habitat

Normally found on calcareous soils but often associated with brown-field sites. The adults bask on foliage and the larvae feed on snails.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in the southern half of Britain. Nottinghamshire is towards the north of its range. There is a small population by the railway bridge at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

June to October