DESCRIPTION: Wing length 17 - 12mm. An elongate hoverfly that is a Saw-Fly mimic. The main identification features are the golden tail hairs on tergite 4 and the hind tibia that has a darkened apical half. The overall jizz of the species will, after a little practice, immediately suggest a member of the Xylotini familiy. BEHAVIOUR: Adults can be found feeding on leaf surfaces where pollen grains and mildew are a chosen source of food. Larvae are found in decaying timber, woody debris and even rot-holes. DISTRIBUTION: Frequent in southern Britain but scarcer towards Scotland. HABITAT: Woodland clearings are a particular hotspot especially where Umbellifers grow. PERIOD: Late April to September.