c2mm body length with large reddish eyes. The thorax is yellow but darkening ventrally. The abdomen is dark dorsally in males but females have paler tergites near to the thorax. See ID checklist for ID details.

Lordiphosa fenestralum is very similar and is best separated by examination of the genitalia.

• arista with long rays, including at least 2 ventrally
• vein R4+5 and vein M are roughly parallel to the wing edge
• 4 rows of acrostichals - presutural bristles not differentiated
• 3 sternopleural bristles, increasing in size from anterior to posterior
• the dorsal postpronatal bristle of similar length to the ventral post pronatal bristle

Female

• oviscapt valve rounded with strong teeth (weak teeth in L. fenestralum)

All year.

Overwinters as an adult in evergreen vegetation.

Common and widespread.