Thecophora atra

Thorax and abdomen of this very small conopid is mainly greyish-black. The head is quite large, the snout is elongated with narrow white cheeks, the large eyes are reddish, the second segment of antennae is much longer than the third and femur 1 and 2 are brown or black, while femur 3 is yellowish on its basal half.

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.

It can be found on downland, heathland, coastal dunes, brownfield sites and flowery arable margins. Also found around the nesting sites of its hosts.

Adults fly from May until October and will visit flowers such as ragworts, thistles and umbellifers.

The hosts are Lasioglossum or Halictus bees.

Thecophora atra is widespread and fairly frequent in much of Britain, with records extending to Scotland, though it is rarely abundant.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.