Helina evecta

This is a common muscid fly with a pale brown or blue abdomen with dark spots. It has infuscated cross-veins on its wings. It requires microscopic examination to be certain of identification. One identifying feature is the presence of long, dark hairs on the lateral margins of the scutellum and also the length and density of hairs on the hind femora (see ID Aids).

It cannot be reliably separated from H. annosa without detailed examination - see ID Aids below.

• Setae on underside of hind femora only on apical third
• Hypopleuron sparcely hairy below spiracle
• Four postsutural dorsocentrals
• Legs all black
• 2+2 sternopleurals
• Hairy eyes
• Fine black hairs on margin of scutellum
• Cross-veins dark
• Arista plumose, long hairs all along the dorsal surface, but with longer hairs on the ventral surface only in the apical half

Various.

Larvae are found in humus soil and moss.

Common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.