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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.

Damp areas near the larval foodplant common reed (Phragmites australis)

Adults in spring and summer

This fly lays its eggs on common reed (Phragmites australis) affected by flies of the genera Lipara and Platycephala or the moth Arenostola phragmitidis (Fen Wainscot). The larvae feed on dead plant and animal tissue and the excreta of other insects that live inside the stems of the common reed. Exceptionally they will scrape living plant tissue. The pupa is the overwintering stage. The adults prey on other soft-bodied insects.

Appears to be fairly common across England and Wales with fewer records from Scotland

Probably fairly common but under-recorded