Description

Over all length 3.5mm. Small shiny black flies with yellow tinted wings. The eyes are red with green stripes and the antennae are fairly long. There are several very similar species so identification needs to be done by an expert.

Habitat

Damp marshy areas with plenty of lush vegetation. The larvae feed within decaying vegetation, probably on associated micro-organisms.

Status and distribution

Widely distributed throughout Britain, but not recorded very often, possibly due to their small size and being overlooked. Not well recorded in Nottinghamshire but regular at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

June to September.