Description

Body length 6.5 to 9mm. Very like a Greenbottle, but the frons is also metallic green, not so with a Greenbottle. There are two very similar species, Neomyia cornicina and N. viridescens. N. cornicina has an extra pair of bristles at the front centre of the thorax.

Habitat

Woodland edge, hedgerows and meadows. The adults can be found basking on leaves or nectaring on flowers, also on carrion and dung. The larvae develop in dung.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widely distributed throughout Britain. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and recorded once at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to May - August to October.