DESCRIPTION: Wing length up to 12mm. Known as the 'Banded General' this hefty Soldier Fly is best identified by the striking yellow and black banded abdomen which has a pale underside, the black and hairy thorax, the long antennae and the pale hind tibiae. BEHAVIOUR: Its carnivorous larvae are amphibious, feeding in ponds and ditches and can survive short dry periods. The adults are somewhat awkward fliers and feed on Umbellifers and Bramble flowers. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent, although local in England and Wales less common further North. HABITAT: Usually found in damp areas such as marshes, wet heathland, meadows, seepages, fens and damp woodlands. PERIOD: June to August. |
.jpg)