Bibio hortulanus

Description

The male is all black and slightly smaller than the female which has an orange abdomen and red thorax. Wing length to 9.5 mm.

Similar Species

Bibio anglicus is very similar, though slightly smaller. However it is found in the Spring and not usually seen after May. It also lacks the white hairs seen on the lateral edge of the thorax in B. hortulanus.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Flower meadows and flowering crops, hedgerows, woodland margins etc.

When to see it

May and June.

UK Status

B. hortulanus is mostly recorded from southeast Britain and seems to be locally common in East Anglia. It may favour calcareous soils. It can be abundant on Rape flowers alongside B. marci.

VC55 Status

Little recorded 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:
Bibionidae
Records on NatureSpot:
5
First record:
02/06/2013 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
19/05/2021 (Smith, Peter)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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