Eriothrix rufomaculata

This is a very common bristly black fly, with prominent orange patches on the sides of its abdomen. It has a silvery face and a mouth that projects forward.

Aphria longirostris also has red abdominal patches but can be separated by its long rigid proboscis which projects out in front of the head.

• red abdominal side-patches
• silvery face
• projecting mouth edge
• long costal spine
• slightly shaded wings
• a small petiole on the median vein

Adults are flower-feeders, visiting various flowers including umbellifers and flowers of the Daisy family.

June to October.

Larvae of this species are parasitic, developing inside the larvae of moths.

Fairly common and widespread in Britain.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland