A small (approx. 4 mm) shiny black fly but the underpart of the abdomen is a pale yellow and there is a yellow spot above the wing base. It has distinctive dark wing venation forming a prominent closed cell frame and short untapered antennae.

Associated with compost, refuse heaps and dung.

Late spring to early autumn seems the best time to see this species.

Larvae feed on decaying organic matter.

Not well recorded, possibly due to its small size but appears to be widespread in England and Wales.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.