DESCRIPTION: Up to 15mm in length.  A chunky Tachnid-Fly best recognised by the black and white face, black hairy throax and orange-red abdomen with a central black zigzag stripe. The end of the abdomen sports several long black bristles. The wings are clear with yellow-orange bases. The basal half of the palps are brown or blackish. Males are a little concave in theirs dorsal centre. BEHAVIOUR: The maggot stage of the fly develops inside the Dark Arches moth, eating it from within, and then emerging to pupate. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent throughout southern Britain. HABITAT: Woodland clearings and edges, meadows, hedgerows and even gardens. PERIOD: June to October.