Ectopsocus briggsi sensu stricto

A barkfly with conspicuous dark spots on forewings. Males always have wings longer than abdomen (macropterous) but females occur in both long and short-winged (brachypterous) forms. E. briggsi and E. petersi both have spots on the wings. In general the spots are smaller and less intense on E. briggsi, larger and more intense on E. petersi, but there is  overlap of size and intensity between the two species. The best way to distinguish the two species is by checking their genitalia.

Ectopsocus petersi and Ectopsocus meridionalis

To confirm this species the genitalia need to be examined microscopically.

Found on the leaves of various trees such as deciduous and evergreen oak.

This species does overwinter as an adult but is most readily seen in late summer.

Feed on the fungal spores and various microflora on the surface of the leaves.

Common and widespread in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

National Barkfly Recording Scheme (Britain and Ireland): https://www.brc.ac.uk/schemes/barkfly/key/A1-B-C1-D2-E2-F1.htm