This greater fly is parasitic on other flies, leaving its eggs in other species' nests. Can be observed flying from early spring to June. It has a Holarctic range, being common (native) across the three major continents of the Northern Hemisphere: North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Being so widespread and conspicuous, it is the type genus of its family and the type species of its genus. Was attracted to unusual (double) flowers of sand cherry Prunus susquehanae.