Dolichopus griseipennis

Dolichopus griseipennis

Description

5 - 5.5mm. A typical Dolichopus species with long legs and a green metallic body. So far 19 Dolichopus species have been recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland and most look very similar so it is necessary to key individuals to reach an identification.

D. griseipennis can be identified by viewing the following combination of features: the lower post-ocular hairs (on the outer rim of the eye) are pale, though dark near the top of the eye; there is a fringe of setae on the inside of the hind femur and vein M on the wing has a double sharp bend giving it a 'Mark of Zorro' look.

Similar Species

Other Dolichopus species.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • Lower post-ocular hairs pale
  • Face not hairy (except clypeus)
  • 1 erect bristle on 1st segment of hind tarsus
  • Fringe of long setulose hairs on inside of hind femur
  • ‘Mark of Zorro’ vein M (with short spur at turn)
Identification aids
Image
Dolichopus griseipennis
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required showing the key features, or if keyed describe how it was identified and the key used.

When to see it

May to September.

UK Status

Generally common and widespread in England and Wales but probably under-recorded.

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

Additional images

All NatureSpot records