Xylota sylvarum is a common Palearctic species of hoverfly.

[4] For terms see Morphology of Diptera Wing length 9–12 mm.

Ireland eastwards through North Europe on to Siberia and the Pacific coast.

[11][12] Old woodland species running on the foliage of bushes and shrubs and on tree stumps.

The larvae feed in damp, fungus-ridden decaying wood of Abies, Fagus and Quercus trunks and stumps, usually beneath the bark.