Chlorops pumilionis

A very tiny (3 or 4 mm) yellow fly with three dark stripes on the thorax, and a dark triangular patch on the head. Note this is a tentative identification. Other chloropids, e.g. Thaumatomyia notata have similar markings on head and thorax and for this reason the image is placed in a red box as identification is not 100%.

Around grasses and cereal crops, or nectaring on various plants.

Adults from overwintering larvae hatch from mid May onwards, followed by a second generation that may persist until October.

Cylindrical cream-colored larvae reach up to 7 mm. The species overwinters in the larval stage in wild grasses and cereal crops.

Widespread and fairly frequent in England.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland is not known.