This is a small dolichopid fly with a metallic green thorax. Males have strangely adorned legs, with which they impress the females. Dolichopus plumipes is very similar to Dolichopus wahlbergi and detailed examination is necessary to distinguish between the two.

Female D. wahlbergi lack the black tip to the hind tibia.

Females:

• Legs mostly yellow. Hind tibia with a black tip. Hind coxa black
• Lower postocular cilia pale
• 1st segment of hind tarsus with 2 dorsal bristles
• 1st segment of mid tibia without any dorsal bristles
• Hind femor with 1 preapical bristle
• 1st, 2nd and base of 3rd antennal segments yellow (with dark dorsal bristles)

Grassland, often in damper areas and at woodland edge.

Late May to early September.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.