Ptychoptera albimana

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Description

A distinctive orange and black insect which was previously grouped with the craneflies. The pale hind tarsi are unique within UK members of the genus.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Damp grassy places

When to see it

Most often seen between spring and autumn

Life History

The female lays over 500 eggs. Larvae feed on decaying organic matter.

UK Status

Fairly frequent and widespread over much of Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

  • David Nicholls
    Western Park
    14 June 2014
  • Graham Calow
    Witherley
    23 April 2015
  • Graham Calow
    Leire, Jubilee Walk (Disused Railway)
    17 May 2010
    female
  • Graham Calow
    Witherley
    23 April 2015
  • Graham Calow
    Burbage Common and Woods
    28 April 2011
    male
  • Graham Calow
    Western Park, Leicester
    14 June 2014
  • David Nicholls
    Ulverscroft
    15 September 2011

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

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

UK Map

Species data profile ?

Species profile

Species group:
Craneflies, Gnats & Midges
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Ptychopteridae
Records on NatureSpot:
21
First record:
17/05/2010 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
12/04/2025 (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.

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Latest images

Latest records

  • Graham Calow
    Witherley
    23 April 2015
  • thebeesknees
    Leicester Garden
    09 April 2015
  • thebeesknees
    Leicester Garden
    09 April 2015
  • Graham Calow
    Witherley
    23 April 2015
  • David Nicholls
    Western Park
    14 June 2014
  • Barbara Cooper
    Long Clawson
    20 May 2012
  • Graham Calow
    Witherley
    23 April 2015
  • Graham Calow
    The Grange Fields, Broughton Astley
    27 April 2015