Bibio venosus

A medium-large (wing length up to 10mm), spring-flying Bibio of rather slim build with milky-white wings that have very conspicuous dark wing veins and stigma. B. venosus varies from all other Bibio species in having scarcely swollen fore tibiae and the hind tibia swollen in just the apical half.

B. longipes and clavipes have a similar narrow build but average much smaller, have pale wings veins, and fly later in the year. B. reticulatus also has darkened wings veins but the build is more robust and 'big-headed' and the legs more swollen.

• wing length 9mm
• hind femur swollen in apical half
• front tibia not swollen and nearly as long as femur
• front tibia - outer spine short (less than a third the length of the tibia)
• humeri are yellow
• body hair is white
• antennal flagellum with 8 visible segments
• dark brown/black, oval stigma
• post. veins darkened but paler than ant. veins

A photo is required which shows required characters to ID this fly.

It can be found in a variety of habitats including woodland and damp scrubby areas.

Spring and early summer. The flight period peaks in late April and May.

B. venosus is widespread in southern Britain but rather scarce.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Martinshaw Wood record is only the second in VC55.