General
The adult flies are 6-8mm long with a wing span of 10-12mm. Generally greyish-brown in colour some may have green bodies. The wings are shorter than the abdomen and have no cross veins in the middle.  The antennae of the males are plumose, feathery in appearance.  The larvae frequently known as blood worms are found in stagnant pools.

Significance
Cause no harm to humans. The adults probably do not feed at all. Create ‘dancing’
Swarms just before sunset from April to September, that constitutes a nuisance. The larvae with their red colouration frequently cause concern particularly in outside lavatories but are harmless.

Control
Identification of breeding sites is not easy and treatment is very limited. Insecticide mists may be used to control swarming adult flies.