Ochlerotatus rusticus

This is the largest dark legged member of this group with a wing length of about 7 mm. The top surface of the thorax has four broad stripes of dark scales with golden brown stripes in between.  In females the pale abdominal bands tend to broaden in the middle to form a median stripe, which may be complete, or variously discontinuous. The wing has two cross veins. Female palps are about a quarter of the length of the proboscis. The males have a hairy hypopygium with the last segment of the palp thicker than the preceding one. 

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.

Damp places, wet woodland, ponds and ditches.

Adults occur from April to August, but are rarely recorded after mid-July.

Breeds in ditches and shady pools with dead leaves at the bottom. Larvae are present from October to April.

Widely distributed in Britain, but probably most common in southern England.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.