3.5-4mm. All orange with four black spots on the abdomen. Strong ocellar setae that are placed just beside the ocellar triangle. Two rows of acrostichal bristles.

Sapromyza quadricincta differs in having 4 rows of acrostichals.

The are 10 UK species in the Sapromyza genus.

• all orange
• usually 4 spots on abdomen (can be 2)
• ocellar bristles start outside the ocelli triangle
• 2 rows of acrostichals on the thorax
• male with row of black seta on the underside of the hind femora, near the tip

Sapromyza quadripunctata is characteristic of grassland habitats.

May to September.

Widespread and fairly frequent in southern Britain, but with fewer records further north.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known. Likely to be common but under-recorded.