7mm long with a bright-tawny orange body and a dark wing pattern which includes a dark wing-tip and a diagonal line reaching almost entirely across the forewing. In addition, the males have very distinctive dark curved spines guarding the mouthparts.

Good quality photographs are required to support records for this fly which is scarce in our area.  Please also give an indication of size if possible.

It is often seen on the leaves of evergreens such as Holly, Ivy and Rhododendron, possibly because they warm up well in early spring.

Most records are between February and May, with a gap in midsummer and then a scattering in late summer and early autumn.

Most records are from the south of England, although the species may be moving slowly northwards.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The 21 April 2016 record from Charnwood Lodge was the first from VC55.