Description

Wing length 6.5 - 9mm. A fairly robust species with a dull thorax and extended mouth, the male has a flattened disk-shape on the front tarsi. The abdomen is mostly an orange-yellow with thin black lines between the segments and a broader black dorsal stripe.

Habitat

A variety of habitats are occupied from dry grassland to damp wooded areas. On the reserve they tend to be found along the Riverside Walk. The larvae are thought to feed on aphids in the shrub layer.

Status and distribution

Very widespread in Britain and fairly common. There are not many records from Nottinghamshire and there are only two records from Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to November