Bibio leucopterus
Description
This is a medium-sized (wing length to 8mm), spring-flying Bibio with very milky-white wings in the male and uniformly dark wings in the female. Dwarf specimens of B. marci can superficially resemble leucopterus in the field, but leucopterus has a unique character in the almost equal-length spurs of the fore tibiae.
Identification difficulty
Habitat
In woodlands and wetlands.
When to see it
The flight period usually peaks in May.
UK Status
Bibio leucopterus is widespread and locally common, sometimes reaching impressive levels of abundance.
VC55 Status
Status in Leicestershire and Rutland unknown, probably under recorded.
Barbara Cooper
Long Clawson
18 May 2018
male
David Gould
Aylestone Meadows, Spearwort Fields
23 May 2021
female
David Nicholls
Ratby, Wirlybones Wood
08 May 2020
female
Barbara Cooper
Long Clawson
18 May 2018
equal length spurs of fore tibiae
David Gould
Aylestone Meadows, Spearwort Fields
23 May 2021
front tib spur/spine almost equal
David Nicholls
Ratby, Wirlybones Wood
08 May 2020
front tibia - spine + spur similar length
David Nicholls
Ratby, Wirlybones Wood
08 May 2020
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015