A small fly (about 5 mm). The female abdomen is mainly black, but the males, although variable, have much more orange in their markings.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Dry grassland sites where the host shieldbugs are likely to be found.

Summer.

Predates shieldbugs of the genus Aelia (belonging to the family Pentatomidae) and notably Bishop's Mitre Shieldbug (Aelia acuminata) in Britain.

Occasionally recorded from scattered sites in the south-eastern corner of Britain, uncommon elsewhere but possibly expanding its range northwards as the climate gets warmer.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.