As with other flies in the Anthomyiidae family, this genus are thin bodied. Most are grey/brown and lack obvious identification features. Hylemya species have long plumose arista, with the rays not very numerous (similar to Hydrophoria), but with small, narrow lower squamae. They are very common flies, with vagans and variata being two of the most common species of Anthomyiidae.

There are four Hylemya species in the UK. Two have at least part of legs yellow, whereas variata and urbica have all dark legs.

• long plumose arista
• all dark legs
• small, narrow lower squamae
• in lateral view, surstyli curved backwards
• frons narrow and frontal orbits quite or almost touching in front of ocellar triangle

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Around dung but also found sunning on fences, etc.

Spring

All Hylemya are copraphagous (dung feeders)

Common but under-recorded

Common but under-recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.