This flower fly is approximately 1/2 inch (12-15 mm) in length. The thorax has bold black and white lengthwise stripes. The abdomen has transverse black bands with semi-elliptical yellow markings. The eyes are dark red and not touching in the middle. The antennae are short and yellow-orange. The legs are mostly yellow with dark brown marks. The wings are clear with light brown veins.
This fly is common in this area and can be seen taking nectar from flowers. It is found nationwide and is most often seen here in fall. The photos shown here were taken in October.
In this genus the eyes of males do not touch on the top as they do in most flies. The male has a rounded abdomen and the female has a pointed abdomen. The larvae are aquatic.
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