Dark-winged Black - Pachygaster atra

One of our five pachygasterine soldierflies - small, black, dumpy species with mouth edge not produced (in contrast to similar looking Nemotelus like N. nigrinus). This is one of only two pachygasterines with the wings darkened at the base. It can be separated from the other one, Eupachygaster tarsalis, by the more globular head and swollen occiput (rim) behind the eyes, plus the rounded base to the scutellum.

See Martin Harvey's photo ID guide.

• dark base to the wings (beware confusion with the dark abdomen)
• scutellum short with a rounded base
• occiput broad behind the eye

A photo is generally required showing the scutellum and the darkened wings.

Often found on the foliage of shrubs and trees.

Summer and autumn.

The larvae seem to be typically associated with dead wood (both detached and within living trees but have also been reared from a garden compost heap, decaying vegetation and leaf litter.

This is a widespread and locally common species in southern Britain, becoming scarce in northern Britain and Wales. The larvae seem to be typically associated with dead wood (both detached and within living trees but have also been reared from a garden compost heap, decaying vegetation and leaf litter.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.