Description

Body length 5.5mm. The buff line, bordered by brown lines down the centre of the thorax, identifies this as a female Limnia unguicornis, rather than the very similar Limnia paludicola. The wings are partly patterned and have a darkened forward edge.

Habitat

Grasslands, wetlands, dunes and brownfield sites. The larvae are thought to feed on snails.

Status and distribution

Widespread and locally common throughout southern Britain, becoming uncommon further north. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and recorded once at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to September.