Description

Body length 5 - 6mm. The thorax and abdomen are dull brown with some dark stripes on the thorax. The male has ivory coloured structures at the end of the abdomen. 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, but recorded several times at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to August.