DESCRIPTION: Wing length 6mm. At first this insect appears to be related to the Crane-Fly complex but further inspection reveals its true identity. It is a delicate flying insect with the key identifications features being the padless feet, the yellowish hind femur with the lateral dark longitudinal stripe, the dark medial, longitudinal stripe on the tergites and the third antennal segment that ends in a bristle. BEHAVIOUR: Flies slowly amongst grass and then uses quicks darting motions to pluck aphids from leaves. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread in the southern half of Britain, but scarce further north. HABITAT: Meadows, grassy wetlands and lush woodland edges. PERIOD: May to August. Can be abundant in certain places.
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