[5][6][7] This rather common species has a European distribution,[8] and includes Transcaucasia, Kazakhstan and South Siberia.

[9] These flies preferably inhabit meadows, woodland, hedge rows and moist environments and they can usually be found in the grass and on low-hanging leaves.

[10] Zophomyia temula can reach a body length of approximately 8–10.5 millimetres (0.31–0.41 in),[11][10] with a wingspan of 15–17 mm.

This species is rather similar to Mesembrina meridiana, belonging to the Muscidae family, characterized by a larger size and by the typical round shape of the true fly.

Adults can be found from April to August, feeding on nectar and pollen of flowers, especially of Heracleum sphondylium.