Thelaira nigripes

This is a long-legged, hairy fly with plumose antennae. The central dark band down the back of the abdomen is bordered by orange and white. There is some confusion at present about Thelaira nigrina and Thelaira  nigripes. Possibly they are the same and expert dipterists seem unaware of any differences.

Hedgerows and grassland.

Flight period: June to August.

Parasitic on some larger moth species.

Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.