Epicampocera succincta

A very bristly, black Tachinid fly with black palps and four katepisternal bristles.

• 4 katepisternal bristles
• black palps
• scutellum with 4 pairs marginal bristles (apical pair crossing)
• hairy eyes
• arista hairs very short
• parafacial hairs along the full length
• 4 pairs of post sutural dorso-central bristles

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

It may be encountered in almost any habitat, but is attracted to various Brassicas, the food plants of butterflies such as the Small White and Green-veined White which provide the main food source.

May to September.

A parasite of the larvae of butterflies such as the Small White and Green-veined White.

Mainly recorded from the southern half of Britain, although records do extend all the way to the north of Scotland.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland is difficult to determine due to lack of records.