Length 6 to 8 mm, wing length 5.5 to 7.75 mm. This is a rather small hoverfly and is unusual amongst parasyrphus because the abdominal markings are spots rather than bars.

Visits willows in spring and is often found in wooded areas including coniferous woodland.

Most common in early spring, persisting through to the middle of summer.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.