Description

Body length 6 to 8.5mm. A very smart, slim, black and white fly. The thorax is black with two white 'shoulder' stripes and the abdomen is black with white bands at the start of each tergite.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows. It is thought that its host species is the Darkling Beetle, Lagria hirta.

Status and distribution

Very rare in Britain, mainly confined to southern coastal areas. Rare in Nottinghamshire in 2018 with only two records. In July 2023, six males were found across the site at Netherfield Lagoons, so it may now be becoming commoner.

Best time to see

June to August.