Description

Over all length 5 to 6mm. A small, beige, very bristly fly. The eyes are red and there is a red spot on the frons. The legs are black.

Habitat

Woodland edge, hedgerows and scrub where Elder and Tansy are present. The adults visit flowers to feed, especially Tansy, and the larvae bore into stems of Elder and some other plants.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in the south of Britain, less so further north. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and recorded at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to October.