This species is approximately 5/8 – 3/4 inch (15-20 mm) in length and has a wingspan of 1 inch (25 mm). It has tan fuzz or pile over the entire body and face. The top of the thorax is black and shiny. The wings have a dark, leading edge and a clear, trailing edge with a sharp dividing border between the dark and the clear portions.
These flies are common in spring, particularly in April. They can still be seen in early summer.
Adults take nectar from flowers of herbaceous plants. The larvae are parasitoids of the larvae of solitary bees. Bee flies can easily be mistaken for bees as they hover over flowers while taking nectar.
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