The male of this species is small and black, resembling a small St Mark's Fly. The female however is largely brick-red with a black head. Bibio anglicus has black hairs on the abdomen (in both sexes) and black legs.

Bibio hortulanus is similar with black males and red females, however in both the hairs on the abdomen are white.

It can often be seen on the flower heads of umbellifers.

It flies in April and May.

Very short flight period.

Fairly frequent and widespread in England.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland