Description

Over all length 5 - 6.5mm. This small fly has a grey thorax and abdomen and a brown head and scutellum. It has pale green eyes with two brown bars across them. The wings are elaborately marked with black, the black curving lines towards the wing-tips are reminiscent of spectacles, hence the name.

Habitat

Hedgerows and woodland edge. The adults need areas where they can display, such as burdock leaves or reeds, while the larvae feed within the fruits of various berries, including hawthorn, berberis and cotoneaster. 

Status and distribution

Fairly widespread but local in southern Britain. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

July.