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So we reached an impasse here (and I was so impressed by the yellow sternites!). And I admire the 19th century biologists - they looked so closely and described so meticulously, even if they sometimes overvalued minor differences.
Steven Falk says, "B. varipes is widespread and can be the commonest spring Bibio in many districts, especially in woods." That doesn't just apply to Great Britain. And his locality picture (https://www.flick...181555290/) looks exactly like the glade where I saw my female. There are many Bibios at the moment - marci, venosus, certainly johannis, and this one... However, dear Theo, I absolutely agree with your statement, "If you follow your lead, you end up with more females varipes than males, which is statistically highly improbable."
I think I will label the photo "cf. varipes" and add our interesting discussion. Always so helpful - thanks!
Sundew