Length 3.5 to 5 mm. Glossy black with pale 'shoulders' (dusted humeri and notopleuri). Very bristly.

Phania thoracica is the only other species in the genus and is a rare species found in the south. It has a more reddish abdomen, is larger (4.5-7mm) with 8-10 preapical bristles on the hind tibia.

• 3.5-5mm
• glossy black with pale dusted shoulders (humeri + notopleuri)
• bare eyes
• 2 intra-alar bristles
• 3 sternopleural bristles

Hedgerows and flower meadows.

Summer to early autumn.

Believed to be a parasite of shieldbugs.

Common in the south of England.

Common.