Description

Over all length 4 - 5mm. A small, black species with white markings; on the head there is a white line behind the eye, on the thorax there are white spots on the rear corners and the scutellum is whitish, the abdomen has three partial white bands.

Habitat

Often found on man-made sites such as quarries and land-fills. The larvae feed in mosses and the adults can be found on the foliage of bushes.

Status and distribution

A scarce species, though widely distributed through lowland Britain. Seen once on the reserve.

Best time to see

June to August