[1][2] It is found across Europe, although reported in highest density from the British Isles and Scandinavia.

While not uncommon it is generally only seen in modest numbers, typically in lowland woods with peak numbers in late May and early June and again in late August and early September.

External images For terms see Morphology of Diptera Wing length 7·25-10·25 mm.

Ireland and Fennoscandia eastwards through Central and North Europe and Russia to the Pacific coast and Japan.

[11] Arboreal, but descends to visit flowers of yellow composites and white umbellifers Calluna, Campanula, Convolvulus, Cornus, Euphorbia, Geranium, Parnassia, Plantago, Polygonum, Ranunculus, Sedum, Sorbus, Stellaria, Succisa, Valeriana.