The upper abdomen is black with a paler greyish band beneath on the flank. It is broad bodied and this can help distinguish it from some similar species.

Lush meadows and fens, usually near to scrub or wood margins.

May to September, peaking in July and August.

It has a fondness for umbellifer flowers.

Widely distributed in England and Wales, though less common in the south east of England, it is also found in southern Scotland. 

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.