Sciara

Description

There are several species in this genus that are very similar with a conspicuous yellow abdomen.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

If you are unable to key a specimen to reach a species ID, then record your sighting as this genus.

Habitat

Found in woodland, hedgerows and moorland.

When to see it

Peak July and August.

Life History

This fly belongs to a group referred to as fungus gnats. The larvae do feed on fungi but also eat dead leaves and compost. The adults feed on nectar and can be found on umbellifers and other flowers.

UK Status

Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Craneflies, Gnats & Midges
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Sciaridae
Records on NatureSpot:
19
First record:
07/07/2007 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
19/06/2024 (Graves, Hazel)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records