The abdomen is shiny black or bronze at the sides and it usually has pale thoracic stripes.

Usually seen around ponds and in marshes where there is a large amount of decaying vegetation, or where cattle trampling and dung has resulted in enrichment. 

April to October but especially from June to August. 

The larvae are known to occur in decaying vegetation in ponds and in wet manure. 

Widespread in much of southern England at least and fairly common in suitable areas.  

Local due to dependance on suitable habitat in Leicestershire & Rutland.