Description

Over all length about 6mm. The body is metallic blue and the eyes red. The wings are lightly tinted and orange at the base.

Habitat

Woodland edge, hedgerows and scrub. The larvae feed in leaf litter and compost and the adults feed on nectar. The one in the photograph is feeding from a bird dropping.

Status and distribution

Fairly widespread in southern Britain, less so further north. Uncommonly recorded in Nottinghamshire and recorded once at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to July.