This small, slender flower fly is approximately 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6-10 mm) in length. It has large red eyes, a shiny brown thorax and transverse yellow and black bands on the abdomen. Near the tip of the abdomen are 2 oblique, yellow marks. The wings are clear.
The adults can be seen summer and and fall nectaring on flowers. They also visit aphid colonies where they eat honeydew and lay their eggs. The female in photos 3, 4 and 5 was found in November.
The larvae are smooth and green with a broad white median stripe. They are considered beneficial as they help control aphid populations. The adults are also considered important cross-pollinators of some plants.
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