Delia platura

This small greyish fly is the most commonly recorded of the Anthomyiidae and generally abundant everywhere. It is around 8mm with a dark median line at the front of the scutum (top of the thorax). As with many flies it is under-recorded as it can only be identified by examining a specimen under a microscope.

Other Delia species.

• c7-8mm
• brown median line on the front scutum
• hind tibia with a row of around 20 erect and evenly spaces posteroventral hairs
• hind femur with 4-6 av setae on the distal half

This species has a red ID rating and unless identified by a known expert you must provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was identified for the record to be accepted.

Around various crops including beans, peas, oilseed rape and various brassicas.

Mainly a spring species.

The larvae can cause damage by attacking roots and sprouting seedlings, but also live in rotting vegetation.

Widespread and common in England at least.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland, and can be abundant where present (but under-recorded).