Chrysopilus cristatus (one of several “Snipe Fly” species)
Family: Rhagionidae.
Length: 6 to 8 mm
The male is easily distinguishable from the female as the eyes are close together at the top of the head and the body is dark brown with shimmers of red. The female has a light cream to golden abdomen and the eyes are further apart. Both having hairy bodies, but the hairs wear away with age.

Habitat: Near Woodlands and ponds, found in most damp shady places.
Found in damp shady places, often near woodland or ponds.
Adult flight period: from April to September. (more abundant in May to July)
This is a carnivorous fly, preying on other small creatures that pass by. Breeds in rotting wood and leaf mould, its here in which the larvae live and are also carnivorous.
This is a widespread fly in the United Kingdom and is a fairly common species in most of Europe.