A small (5 or 6 mm), rather distinctive rhinophorid with a shiny black body with bristly hairs and darkened veins and costal areas in the apical half of the wings.

It can occur in a wide variety of habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, post-industrial sites, parks and gardens. It seems to be more strongly associated with shade and trees than other rhinophorids and is known to attack the woodlice Porcellio scaber and Oniscus asellus.

June to August is probably the peak time.

It is widespread though somewhat localised (or possibly overlooked) in Britain.

Rare or under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.