Tetanocera phyllophora

Alternative names
Forest Buff Snailkiller
Description

One of three Tetanocera species with the fore margin of the wing distinctly darkened but the only one without a dark mark on the occiput on the back of the head above the 'neck' and typically with a much paler appearance in the field than T. elata or T. punctifrons (the other two species with the fore margin of the wing distinctly darkened).

Similar Species

Tetanocera elata and Tetanocera punctifrons.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

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.

Habitat

This is essentially a woodland species, especially damper/humid (though not necessarily wet) woods with base-rich soils and a lush ground flora.

When to see it

Adults can be recorded from May until September.

Life History

The larvae attack terrestrial snails such as Discus Snail.

UK Status

It is local but widespread in Britain and perhaps most frequent in hilly districts of the north and west.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded 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:
Flies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Sciomyzidae
Records on NatureSpot:
1
First record:
04/09/2020 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
04/09/2020 (Calow, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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