This flower fly is approximately 1/2 to 5/8 inch (13-15 mm) in length. The antennae, cheeks and thorax are dark brown. The throax has dense, short whitish hairs. The abdomen is black with thin, white abdominal rings. The wings are clear and brownish at the base. The legs are mostly black except that the basal half of the tibia are white.
This species has been seen in Fontenelle Forest once in mid-October nectaring on Goldenrod.
There are 23 species in North America. The larvae of the genus are known as “rat-tailed maggots” for the long breathing tube they can extend to the surface of the water. The larvae live in polluted water or wet carcasses.
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