Length 5 to 10 mm. A largely black bodied insect with striking red thighs on its rear legs. There are other very similar species in this genus which means that detailed examination of an actual specimen is generally needed to identify the exact species. A red box around the image indicates that we think it is likely to be this species but can't be 100% certain.

Hedgerows, parks and gardens.

Peaking in summer and autumn.

A parasite of various butterfly and moth pupae.

Widespread but probably under recorded in England.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.