This fly is approximately 5/8 inch (17 mm) in length. The thorax is covered with dense yellow hair. The first segment of the abdomen is a shiny black. The remainder of the abdomen is covered with short, black hair. The eyes are large and black. The heavy thighs on the hind legs are typical of male flies in the genus Mallota. A similar species (M. posticata) has yellow hair on the abdomen and hair on the eyes.
These flies are probably present from May through mid-summer. They have been photographed in May in Neale Woods and June and July in Fontenelle Forest.
This flower fly is a mimic of large bees. The larvae are said to be filter feeders in water-filled tree holes.
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