A medium sized (3.5 to 4 mm) ‘picture-winged’ barkfly. The forewing of both sexes has a characteristic pattern of distinct, well defined, dark patches. Only Philotarsus species have the colourless area at the end of the pterostigma cell.

It has been found most frequently on branches of coniferous trees (no records from trunks).

Most likely to be encountered in summer.

Although quite widespread in England it is infrequent and is described as scarce on the website of the National Barkfly Recording Scheme.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.