This species has a body length of a body length of 13 to15 mm. A number of similar, rarer species exist.  It is easier to identify live females which have a single strongly-formed coloured eye band (lost in pinned specimens). The abdomen is usually pale buff with dark grey markings, but the basal tergites can exhibit a reddish ground colour in some specimens.

Found in a variety of habitats.

Peaking in summer.

The larvae appear to develop as predators in soil, seemingly in drier places than most other large horseflies.

Our most frequent medium-sized horsefly with most records coming from the southern half of Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.