Long-legged Fly
Scellus notatus
Description
Body length 5 - 6mm. The thorax and abdomen are dull brown with some dark stripes on the thorax. The female has the last segments ivory coloured. The eyes have an almost iridescent pattern of green and red. The legs are brown and the wings have a discrete dark spot towards the tip.
Habitat
Grasslands and woodland. The adults prey on other insects and the larvae feed on small invertebrates in damp leaf litter.
Status and distribution
Mainly confined to southern and central England. Not common in the west country, Wales or Scotland. Not common in Nottinghamshire, recorded twice at Netherfield Lagoons.
Best time to see
May to August.