Trypetoptera punctulata

Length: 6-7mm. A beautifully marked fly, belonging to the Scyomizidae family. The wing pattern helps to identify the species. It also has long, forward-pointing antennae, typical of the family.

A good field photo is required showing key features. It may be necessary to have your record confirmed by an expert in flies

Unusually for the Sciomyzids, it is a species of dry habitats, especially calcareous woodlands.

May - October, peaking in June.

The members of this family deposit their eggs near snails and the larvae eat the snail. There is some evidence that the adults also kill snails directly. This means that the members of this family are useful in biological pest control.

Common and widespread.

Under-recorded but probably fairly common.