For terms see Morphology of Diptera A large (wing length 11·25-12·5 mm.)

Mallota differ from the similar Merodon by the angle of intersection of wing veins M1 and R4+5, acute and close to the wing edge in Mallota a right angle in Merodon The larva is of the rat-tailed type, that is with a tube-like breathing siphon at the rear end.

[1] External images[2][3] [4][5][6] Fennoscandia south to the Pyrenees and central Spain and North Africa.

Adults are arboreal, but descends to feed in glades and open areas.

Flowers visited include Cistus, Cornus sanguinea, Rosa canina, Rubus, Sambucus ebulus and Sarothamnus scoparius.