UK Drilidae

There is only 1 species of Drilid in the UK - Drilus flavescens (Fourcroy)

Males and females are highly dimorphic. Males and larvae are more commonly encountered than females. Descripitons are given below:

Males

  • Antennae: 11 segmented and disctinctively pectinate
  • Pronotum: Black with thick brown hairs
  • Wing cases:  Light brown and extensively hairy
  • Legs: Brown
  • Tarsi: 5-5-5

Females

  • Larviform (wingless), much larger than males, brown with black markings

Larvae

  • Orangey brown with numerous lateral, spiny processes - can be seen feeding on snails and they also overwinter in their shells.

Where to find them: Chalk downland in the South East of England

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