Figwort Cheilosia (Cheilosia variabilis)

Wing length 7.5 – 10mm. This is a fairly robust all dark species with a long dark abdomen and long grey tinted wings. The legs are black and there are pale projecting hairs on the face. They like to bask on low vegetation, when they often hold their wings in a delta shape.

Hedgerows, woodland edge and lightly wooded areas. The larvae develop in the stems and roots of Figworts.

Fairly common and widespread in Britain. Seen in the gardens if Chiswick House in July 2020.