Length 3.5-5mm.

Female: Grey-dusted head and thorax, abdomen black with bands of grey dusting narrowest in the middle.

Male: Dull black, tibiae yellow at base, tergite 6 grey-dusted.

Female: Other Platypeza species. P. consobrina  has extensive dusting on tergite 1 leaving only a small black central spot.

Male: Other Platypeza species.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Woodlands and parks.

Early September to late October, peaking late September to mid October.

Larvae feed in Honey Fungus (Armillaria sp.).

Scattered records from eastern England and Wales.

Rarely recorded in VC55.