Rhagio tringarius

Rhagio tringarius, common name marsh snipefly, is a species of fly from the family Rhagionidae.

Description

file: Rhagio tringarius side view on Geum urbanum.jpg|thumb|side view on Geum urbanum
Rhagio tringarius can reach a length of. The abdomen and the long slender legs are yellow-orange. The patterning on the abdomen is quite variable, but usually it shows black well spaced dorsal triangles. Also the last abdomen tergites are black. Wings are clear, as this fly lacks the dark wing stigma common in the genus Rhagio.

Ecology

The larvae of this snipefly dwell in the ground, on litter and detritus. They are predatory hunters, feeding on small beetles and earthworms. Adults occur from May to September, usually resting on leaves.

Distribution and habitat

This species is present in most European countries. It can be found in wet meadows, hedgerows, woods and areas with a rich vegetation.