Palloptera scutellata

Description

This species has a greyish head and thorax, a red-brown abdomen and orangey legs. There are several dark shades on the wings. The females have an elongate, piercing-type ovipositor.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitat

Various habitats, but particularly associated with rushes of the Juncus family.

When to see it

Can be seen throughout most of the year. It is suggested that the adults emerge in late autumn and hibernate as adults, which would explain the unusual flight period.

Life History

Larvae have been found in the stems of rushes, grasses and umbellifers.

UK Status

This species is under recorded with most records coming from southern Britain. Its numbers and distribution may be increasing.

VC55 Status

Little is known of its distribution in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Flies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Pallopteridae
Records on NatureSpot:
4
First record:
09/01/2011 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
14/03/2016 (Calow, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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