Tipula lateralis

Description

Tipula lateralis may grow to a length of some two centimetres and can be identified by the light grey line that runs down the centre of the abdomen. A second feature is the black line running over the thorax and beginning just behind the eyes. It also has distinctive dark marked veins in the wings. This is the only commonly found species with this combination of features.

Similar Species

T.couckei is much less common, but is very similar, with a light brown central stripe on the abdomen rather than grey, so great care should be taken to eliminate the possibility of a specimen being this species.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Around water, often running water.

When to see it

March to October.

Life History

The larvae of Tipula lateralis are semi aquatic and feed on rotting plants on the bottom of the ponds or streams.

UK Status

Widespread and quite common in Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent 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:
Craneflies, Gnats & Midges
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Tipulidae
Records on NatureSpot:
31
First record:
10/09/2012 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
09/09/2023 (Poole, Adam)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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