Botanophila fugax

This anthomyiidae fly has a grey striped thorax and black legs. It has characteristically long hairs arising from the thorax.

This species has a red ID rating and unless identified by a known expert you must provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was identified for the record to be accepted.

Various habitats, but usually in well vegetated or flower rich places, and especially around Elder and Tansy.

Spring to Autumn.

Larva bore into the stems of plants such as Elder. The adults visit flowers, especially Tansy.

Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.