Description

Wing length 8 - 10.5mm. A brightly coloured dronefly that has only a small, sharply defined, stigma and a dark line down the centre of the face. They are mainly dark brown with orange wedges on the first abdominal segment and pale lines between the segments. The males often hover above females as they are feeding on flowers.

Habitat

A wide range of habitats are used where there are plenty of flowers in sunny aspects. The larvae develop in organic waste material.

Status and distribution

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

Best time to see

April to October.