DESCRIPTION: Wing length 12m - 17mm length. One of the few species with shining green eyes. The other main ID features are the grey antennae with a second yellow segment, grey thorax with central grey stripe, the orange abdomen with dark median stripe and the orange legs that have black tips to the femora. The wings are noticeably marked with an obvious white lunule and markings around the distal cell. Tergite 9 of the male has a V-shaped notch at its apex. BEHAVIOUR: Adults are usually found where Sweet Vernal Grass grows. The larvae feed on plant roots and the adult flies feed on nectar. DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout England and Wales with fewer records in Scotland. HABITAT: A grassland species found in meadows, grassy fields, roadside verges and scrub. PERIOD: May to mid-June. |
