Lonchaea species are generally of rather uniform appearance, being moderately small flies, with dumpy bodies that are black in colour.  Identifiecation to species level requires detailed examination and is often very difficult.

Other Lonchaea species.

Detailed examination of specimen is essential. Please retain the specimen until identification has been confirmed.

Thought to prefer well wooded areas with a likely requirement for dead wood and old or diseased trees.

Adults recorded in April and May.

The life history is not yet understood. It is thought tha the larvae possibly develop beneath the bark of rotten wood.

Although widespread in Britain it is classed as Nationally Scarce.

Rae in our area.  The Sharnford, Fosse Meadows record of 30th April 2024 is the first for Leicestershire and Rutland (VC55).