Hairy-Legged Horsefly - Hybomitra bimaculata

A medium-large, highly variable horsefly with a body length of 13 to 16.5 mm. Both males and females possess long hair fringes on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the mid tibiae with males also having a posteroventral fringe along the length of the hind tibiae with hairs twice as long as the width of the tibia. This latter feature is useful in separating the species from H. lurida, a scarce bogland horsefly. The abdomen varies from all black individuals to those with extensive orange markings along the flanks of the first three tergites. Females have three dark stripes across the eyes but can be separated from the rarer H. micans by the tibiae which are at least partially pale (all black in H. mican) and a paler abdomen.

Found in various habitats, including wetlands and open wet woodlands.

Summer.

The predatory larvae develop in wet soil, wood detritus and even waterbird nests.

Widespread in the southern half of Britain but seems to be less common further north.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.