Lonchoptera lutea, the yellow spear-winged fly, is the type species of the genus Lonchoptera.
Adults vary a great deal in colour, from yellow to dark brown.[1] The anteroventral bristle of the middle tibia is missing from the distal half. Scutellum brown to yellow.[2] first and second antennal segments yellow, the third being dark, with a subapical arista.
Unlike most Lonchoptera, Lonchoptera lutea shows a marked preference for unshaded habitats.[1] It is widespread and often very common throughout most of Europe, extending into parts of Asia.