Length up to 8 mm or more. Members of this family are often called 'Rust Flies' or 'Carrot Flies'. Many of them are bright orange. Psila fimetaria is very similar and careful examination is necessary to arrive at a safe id.

There are two species which are very similar - P. fimetaria and P. merdaria. P. fimetaria has the third antennal joint darkened on the outer side at the base of the arista, and the hairs beneath the second antennal joint longer; whereas P. merdaria has the third antennal joint larger but without darkening at the base of the arista on the outer side, and hairs beneath the second antennal joint shorter.

Various habitats but often in areas of lush vegetation and amongst the crops that they target when ready to lay eggs.

May to August.

Larvae live in the roots, bulbs and non-woody stems of plants and can be a pest.

To follow

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.