Length 5 to 7 mm. It has a dark mottled body and reddish-brown eyes. The translucent wings are greyish brown and marked with white. This fly belongs to the family called Platystomatidae which means 'big mouths'.

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.

The adults can be found crawling slowly over flowers and leaves in tall herbaceous vegetation, particularly in shaded places. They feed on nectar and pollen. They also visit compost heaps to lay their eggs.

May to October.

They exhibit an interesting mating behaviour which involves the male and female 'kissing' by pushing their large proboscis together. The larvae develop in and feed on decaying vegetable material.

Quite common in southern Britain, less so in the north.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland