The adults are 7 to10 millimetres long. The prominent eyes and the legs are reddish brown. The brown or yellowish antennae are forward-pointing, with a hairy 3rd segment and a whitish arista. The dark grey wings are mottled by many greyish spots and with a blackish border.

• Lacks any bristles on the propleuron above the front coxa
• Anal vein reaches the wing margin
• Reticulate pattern on the wings
• Dark border on the leading edge of the wings

Often found in damp areas. It may also be encountered in grasslands and woodlands, feeding on nectar or sipping dew.

Late May until September or October peaking in August.

Larvae prey on terrestrial snails.

Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain, but possibly mainly coastal in Wales and scarce north of Cumbria.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.