Wing length 3.5 to 5 mm. The wings of this species have a blackish tinge. The third segment of the antennae is at least twice as long as it is wide. They also have spots or bars on tergites two and three. Tergite two is deeply constricted in the female.

Typically hedgerows, wood edges and gardens where there is lush vegetation, but also in wetter areas such as marshes and beside water.

April to November

Larvae have been reported from wet decaying manure.

Common and widely distributed in Britain.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.