Length 6 to 8 mm. This is one of several similar species with an orange body, stripy thorax, which is grey above and orange below. The bulge on the outer wing is characteristic of the Phaonia genus.

Phaonia rufiventris is another very common orange fly. This species has just one pair of acrostichal bristles and 3 posterior bristles on the mid-tibia.

• 2 pairs of pre-sutural acrostichal bristles
• 2 posterior bristles on the mid-tibia

Well vegetated areas, often in well wooded spots.

March to November.

They reproduce several times a year. Females lay their eggs in rotting leaves, rotting wood or in carrion, on which their larvae feed. The larvae overwinter there.

Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland