A smaller species than D. febrilis (~5mm) with milky-white wings in both sexes. The male has entirely black legs but in the female the fore coxae and femorae are reddish. The female head has a pronounced 'snout' beyond the eyes which allows easy separation from the similar B. humeralis. D. femoratus is widespread and can be common in many areas.

Where umbellifers are present, especially in damper areas.

It typically peaks in late May and June, somewhat later than febrilis.

D. femoratus is widespread and can be fairly frequent in many areas.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.