Discover
Identify
Record
Sepsis fulgens
2.5 to 3 mm. A black fly with dark wing spots (one on each wing), typical of the Sepsis genus. This is a difficult group to identify and specimens really need microscopic examination to arrive at the species. Males are easier to identify based on the ornamentation seen on the front femora where the front protuberance has two short spines.
Other members of the genus.
Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters
Adults are most often seen around hedgerows and meadows feeding on nectar, and on dung where males will wait for the females to visit and lay their eggs.
Early spring to late autumn with a peak around July and August
The flies are active by day, and the sexes usually meet for mating around fresh dung where the eggs will be laid.
Common and widespread in Britain, but identification is difficult.
Common in Leicestershire and Rutland but under-recorded.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
Enter a town or village to see local records
MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015
UK Map
Species profile
- Species group:
- Flies
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
- Order:
- Diptera
- Family:
- Sepsidae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 23
- First record:
- 20/08/2021 (Nicholls, David)
- Last record:
- 21/10/2024 (Nicholls, David)
Total records by month
% of records within its species group
10km squares with records
The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.
In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.