Hydrotaea dentipes

6·5 to 7·75 mm. Like most flies in the Hydrotaea genus it is dark and shiny. Males have the front femur notched and toothed. The thorax, seen from behind, has conspicuous whitish dusting, at least in front of the suture, in line with the acrostichal and dorsocentral bristle rows. The middle tibia, anteriorly along almost whole length, has a dense fine pubescence which is shorter than width of tibia. The discal vein of wing with a slight though distinct curve forward just before apex. Hind tibia with only 2-3 rather short anteroventral bristles. Middle femur, under the basal half has numerous setulose hairs, many of which are more than twice as long as depth of femur. 

Females

• 6-7.5mm
• grey dusting on the abdomen
• halteres black
• mid tibia without any bristles underneath
• mid tibia with 1-2 anterodorsals in the apical half

Unless identified by a recognised expert, photos are required showing the key ID features. If the photos don't show these then in the comments box describe the identifying characters you have observed.

Various habitats including gardens.

Mainly May to September.

The larvae of this species have been found in the dung of rabbits, pigs, cows, horses and chickens.

Quite widespread in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.