Description

Over all length 3.5 to 4mm. A minute black fly with black bases to the otherwise clear wings. The eyes do not reach right to the back of the head and the antennae are black in the male and orange in the female. The legs have mainly black femora but the rest of the legs are pale yellow.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows. The adults run about on leaves while the larvae feed on decaying vegetable matter.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in the south of England. Less common further north and in Wales. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to August.