In terms of size, it measures between 1 and 2 cm in length. Its most noticeable characteristic is its yellow and black striped pattern on both its eyes and body, which is why it can be mistaken for a bee. Besides being similar in appearance, they are also identical in their habits, as they are also pollinators.

They feed on nectar and pollen and visit a wide range of plants, which is why they are good pollinators. In their larval stage, they feed on decaying organic matter, which helps control microorganisms in the water. This species reproduces between spring and summer. The female lays eggs in stagnant water with decaying organic matter. After about 2 to 5 days, the eggs hatch and the larvae develop over weeks to months, feeding on organic matter until they reach their maximum development and transform into pupae. The pupal stage lasts between 1 and 2 weeks, after which the adult fly emerges. It lives for several weeks to months.