Paraplatypeza bicincta

Length: 3.5-4mm

Female: Grey-dusted head and thorax, three blackish stripes on thorax with middle one widest, abdomen black with light grey spots largest on tergites 3-4, tergites 2 and 5 completely black.

Male: Completely dull black. Pale yellow pterostigma contrasting with rest of wing which is clear.

Female: Polyporivora females. Tergite 6 is grey-dusted in P. bicincta but black in Polyporivora.

Male: Paraplatypeza atra. Also males of Platypeza, Polyporivora, Kesselimyia and Lindneromyia.

Female Male

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required showing the diagnostic features. Male specimens should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Deciduous and mixed woodlands.

Mid-September to the end of October, peaking at the beginning of October.

Larvae feed in the fungus Pluteus cervinus (Deer Shield Fungus).

A handful of records from the southern half of England.

The record from Wood Close Plantation was the first for VC55.