Winter Gnat

Trichoceridae

Description

Over all length 6 to 10mm. Like a small, delicate Crane Fly. The males dance in the winter sunshine to attract the females. They can be distinguished from crane flies as they have ocelli on the tops of their heads, between their eyes, which are very sensitive to light.(Although they are so tiny that they may be hard to see). There are up to fourteen quite similar British species which need microscopic identification to distinguish from each other, so the photo can only be identified to family.

Habitat

Damp woodland, gardens and other damp places rich in humus for the developing larvae.

Status and distribution

Most species are quite common and widely distributed throughout Britain. They are common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

Late autumn to early spring.