Stenocranus major

Length 5.5 to 6.5 mm. Stenocranus species all have pale brown wings, often with a darker median stripe towards the apex, but they differ in several minor details of the head and forelegs. Separation of some species is difficult, and requires several features to be visible; specimens should ideally be dissected for confirmation. S. major is distinguished by the moderately short, rounded vertex. The longitudinal stripes on the face are black. Difficult to separate from S. fuscovittatus but this is a rare and very local species found in marshy habitats.

With care can be identified by external features at 5-10X magnification. Lateral view of head required. 

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species.

In damp, grassy areas.

Adult: February to October.

Locally common in southern Britain, but may be expanding its range.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.