Ptychoptera albimana (Phantom Cranefly)

Ptychoptera albimana is a distinctive orange and black insect with a pale hind tarsi, which is unique within UK members of the genus. They look very much like Craneflies, which they were previously grouped with, but are now recognised as Phantom Craneflies.

They are most often seen between spring and autumn, in damp grassy places.

The female lays over 500 eggs and the larvae feed on decaying organic matter.

Ptychoptera albimana are fairly frequent and widespread over much of Britain.