Empicoris culiciformis

Length 4.1-5.5mm.  Empicoris are delicate-looking insects with raptorial forelegs. There are only 3 UK Empicoris spp., the others being the relatively common Empicoris vagabundus, which is larger and paler, and E. baerensprungi, which is more boldly marked.

Identification requires accurate size measurement and high magnification lateral photo(s) to confirm the absence of a tubercle at the rear of the pronotum (in front of the spike on the scutellum). 

Empicoris are not so often observed because of their hidden way of life. They live in hollows in trees, barns and cracks in old walls.

All year, but especially summer and autumn.

Empicoris species are predators of small insects such as greenfly and barklice.

Rather uncommon, with most records coming from the central part of Britain.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.