Neria are long-legged and long-bodied flies, with four UK species. N. cibaria has a dark and dusted thorax, an all-orange frons and an arista that is dark at the base.

Neria commutata also has a dark and dusted thorax but the frons darkens towards the ocelli and the base of the arista is pale.

• dark thorax with the mesonotum dusted (ie. not glossy)
• frons all yellow up to the ocelli
• arista is dark at the base

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.

It is found in woodland and other well vegetated areas.

May to July.

Feeds on smaller insects such as aphids.

Fairly common and widespread in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.