Periscepsia spathulata

Periscepsia spathulata

Alternative names
Ramonda spathulata
Common Bristlecheek
Description

Flies in this tachinid fly genus are difficult to identify and most will need to be checked to the relevant keys.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • R4+5 with hairs from the node to the cross-vein
  • Grey dusting on apices of tergites
  • Brown basicosta
  • Petiole approx. 1.5 x the cross-vein
  • 2 pairs of ocellar bristles
Recording advice

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.

Habitat

It can occur in woodland, heathland, brownfield habitat and scrubby grassland. 

When to see it

Adults fly from May to October probably as 2-3 generations.

Life History

Hosts are the caterpillars of various noctuid moths

UK Status

Periscepsia spathulata is common in southern Britain (our most frequent Periscepsia) with records extending more thinly to Sutherland.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

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