Trichocera annulata

Description

The clear winged, long-legged adult winter crane flies do not feed, but gather in sometimes-large aggregations to mate before seeking suitable moist or wet sites to lay their eggs.

Similar Species

Several other Trichoceridae species.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Good photographs are required showing the key features.

Habitat

Damp grassy places and wooded areas.

When to see it

From September to March, with peak time in October and November.

Life History

Larvae feed on grass roots and can damage turf, and possibly also on rotting organic matter.

UK Status

Widespread in the southern half of Britain with fewer records further north.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Craneflies, Gnats & Midges
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Trichoceridae
Records on NatureSpot:
7
First record:
10/12/2020 (Dejardin, Andrew)
Last record:
04/02/2025 (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.

Latest images

Latest records