A relatively small muscid (5-7.5mm), largely black but with a pale central stripe on the thorax. See ID Guidance below.

There are three UK Morellia species that all look very similar. M. simplex has bristles on the edge of the prosternum (lacking in the other two species). M. hortorum has a conspicuous row of anteroventrals on the hind tibia.

• Length 5-7.5 mm;
• Hind tibia with only 0-4 short anteroventrals only on the apical half;
• Front tibia with a strong posterior bristle;
• Male middle and hind tibiae conspicuously bent at the mid-point

April - September

Occasional

Uncommon though likely to be under-recorded.