Description

Over all length 8 - 9mm. Orange-brown flies that like to sit on herbaceous plants such as nettles. Some species are very similar, so specific identification has not been attempted.

Habitat

Hedgerows and woodland edge. The larvae feed in the roots of plants and some such as Psila rosae, the Carrot Fly, can be an agricultural pest.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in Britain. Common on the reserve.

Best time to see

May to August.