Body length about 6 mm.  A rather small, very bristly, and often slightly shiny black Tachinid.

This species cannot be identified from photographs - detailed examination necessary.

Hedgerows and meadows.

Late spring and summer.

The larvae of Dufouria chalybeata are parasitoids of tortoise beetles (Cassida spp.).

Widespread in the southern half of Britain.

Infrequently recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.