Limnia unguicornis

One of two Limnia species found in Britain These are rather small but typical tetanocerine sciomyzids, with a projecting frons and long antennae. The wings have reticulate markings that are best formed in the apical half and the costal area is darkened. The mesonotum is striped grey and brown. Males can only be separated from those of L. paludicola by checking the genitalia. Females can usually be separated by the presence of a buff stripe running down the mid-line of the mesonotum flanked by dark brown stripes (in female L. paludicola a very broad dark brown stripe without a buff middle runs down the midline of the mesonotum). However it is possible to find intermediate females that are hard to assign.

Found in a wide range of habitats including grassland of various sorts, wetlands, dunes and brownfield sites. It tolerates drier habitats than Limnia paludicola.

Adults can be recorded from May to September.

Limnia unguicornis is a widespread and locally common species.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.