Palloptera scutellata

This species has a greyish head and thorax, a red-brown abdomen and orangey legs. There are several dark shades on the wings. The females have an elongate, piercing-type ovipositor.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Various habitats, but particularly associated with rushes of the Juncus family.

Can be seen throughout most of the year. It is suggested that the adults emerge in late autumn and hibernate as adults, which would explain the unusual flight period.

Larvae have been found in the stems of rushes, grasses and umbellifers.

This species is under recorded with most records coming from southern Britain. Its numbers and distribution may be increasing.

Little is known of its distribution in Leicestershire and Rutland.