DESCRIPTION: Length 7 - 8mm. A common species that should present no difficulties in identification with the black head, upper thoracic surface and front edge to the wings combined with the orange legs, thorax and abdomen making for a distinctive insect. The body is thick set and is slightly pointed in the female but more rounded in the male. The antennae are black. BEHAVIOUR: A nectar feeding insect that has a fondness for crucifers and umbellifers. The larva are 18 - 25mm long and dark green to black in colour. They overwinter in a yellowish cocoon underground and can be considered a pest especially to members of the Brassica family. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread throughout Britain with most records from the South. HABITAT: Woodland edges, gardens, grassy rides, hedgerows and open meadows. PERIOD: May to June.
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