Mintho rufiventris

Length 8 to 11 mm.  This is a relatively small and slender tachnid fly.  It is a dark, bristly species with red markings on the sides of its abdomen. It has two broad longitudinal black bars on the thorax and the abdomen laterally compressed (higher than it is wide, though this can be difficult to judge) but always wider nearest to the thorax, tapering to the tip and about as long as the head+thorax. Strong median discal bristles are present and the wing has a very short petiole.

Eriothrix rufomaculata is similar, and very common.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Various habitats.

May to October.

The adults feed on pollen and nectar, and the larvae is mainly a parasite of Pyralidae moth caterpillars.

Widespread in England, with most records coming from the south of England and the Midlands.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Cropston record of 04 July 2019 was the first for VC55.