Macrophya alboannulata

One of three very similar species including M. ribis and M. albicincta. M. alboannulata is larger than Macrophya ribis and the head around the frons and temples is almost impunctate (in ribis, the head has dense, coarse punctures in these areas).

The other two species can be separated by the colouring on the hind trochanter and trochantellus. In albicincta the hind trochanters are predominantly black and the trochantellus usually white with a black spot, whereas in alboannulata the hind trochanters are predominantly marked with white and the trochantellus never has a black spot. In males the labrum of albicincta is at least darkened along the lateral edges to mostly black, whereas in alboannulata the labrum is at most slightly infuscated at the lateral margins.

Around well vegetated areas, flowers, hedgerows and long grass.

Best in May and June.

The larvae are associated with grasses and sedges.

Seems widespread in England at least but lack of records makes it difficult to determine its exact status in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.