This small fly is approximately 3/8 inch (10 mm) in length. The eyes are very large and dark red. The thorax and abdomen are black and shiny. The legs are dark brown. The wings are a clear brownish color. This Syrphid fly was identified by volunteer experts from the BugGuide website.
This is probably an uncommon fly, but the frequency of occurrence in this area is not known. The individual shown here was photographed in late April in Fontenelle Forest.
There are over 75 species in North America in the genus Cheilosia which is in the sub family Eristalinae. Some of the larvae in this genus live in living plants or fungi. This is unusual since most larvae in the sub family Eristalinae feed on decaying organic debris in moist environments.
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