Morellia aenescens

Description

A relatively small muscid (5-7.5mm), largely black but with a pale central stripe on the thorax. See ID Guidance below.

Similar Species

There are three UK Morellia species that all look very similar. M. simplex has bristles on the edge of the prosternum (lacking in the other two species). M. hortorum has a conspicuous row of anteroventrals on the hind tibia.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • Length 5-7.5 mm;
  • Hind tibia with only 0-4 short anteroventrals only on the apical half;
  • Front tibia with a strong posterior bristle;
  • Male middle and hind tibiae conspicuously bent at the mid-point
When to see it

April - September

UK Status

Occasional

VC55 Status

Uncommon though likely to be under-recorded.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - true fly (Diptera)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Muscidae
Records on NatureSpot:
5
First record:
19/08/2023 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
14/06/2025 (Nicholls, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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