Downlooker Fly Rhagio scolopaceus
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Classification Order: Diptera – true flies Family: RhagionidaeLength .8 to 16 mm
Phenology May to August.
Identification
Also known as the down looker fly since males point itself downward as they sit on tree trunks. Itlike other Rhagio presents as yellowy-orange (sometimes darkened) flies with long, slender legs.
The lateral side of the thorax are grey as are the tops of the legs. Wings have several darkened marks.the third antennal segment pointed
Similar Species
R scolopaceus differs from close relative R. tringaria in having spotted as opposed to clear wings.
Life Cycle
How the insect feeds is unclear but it has long white larvae which feed on other ground larva in the litter or rotten wood where they pupate Larvae have been found in pasture and wooland soil and wood detritus of tree stumps.
Habitat
Found on leaves in moist vegetation,around hedgerows and woodland edges where they may be observed woodland rides and clearings, meadows and moorland, usually where trees are present.
