Long-legged Fly

Dolichopus plumipes/wahlbergi

Description

Body length 5mm. These species have a metallic green thorax and the mid tarsi have featherlike appendages. They are very similar and not separable from photographs.

Habitat

Damp grassland, ditch edges. The adults and their larvae feed on smaller invertebrates.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, D. plumipes reaching further north and into Scotland. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to September.