9mm - large for an anthomyiid. H. vagans has a yellow hind tibia (other leg parts may also be yellow but this is variable) and a very plumose arista, though with the hairs not very numerous. The lower squamae is small and narrow - largely hidden behind the upper one. Only males can generally be identified with certainty, females are generally recorded as either H. vagans/nigrimana as these cannot be separated on physical features.

Other Hylemya species.

• anal vein reaches the wing margin (= Anthomyidae)
• 7-8mm
• long plumose arista
• scutellum with a bare triangular area at the base (where it joins the rest of the thorax)
• presutural acrostichals in 2 rows
• at least the hind tibia yellow

This species has a red ID rating and unless identified by a known expert you must carry out detailed examination of the specimen and provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was identified for the record to be accepted.

Can be found sunning on leaves and fences.

Summer.

Hylemya species are copraphageous.

Common and widespread, especially in the southern half of Britain.

Common but under-recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.