A small hoverfly with wing length 4 to 5.5 mm. The marginal cross-veins are not darkened and the hind femora are narrowly yellow at the apex. The front tibia are mostly yellow, the front and mid femora half yellow, and the hind tibia only narrowly ringed. The third antennal segment is elongate.

Lush marshes and around water-bodies with plants such as sweet grass and bulrush where the larvae develop.

April to October, peaking May-June.

Local but widespread. Becoming sparser in northern England and Wales.

Local.