6-8mm. The abdomen has bright metallic blue and pale patches. The thorax has a pale median band behind the head.

Morellia simplex is similar but the genus Polietes can be distinguished by vein M being straight not bent.

• vein m straight (from the cross-vein to the wing margin) (= Polietes genus)
• apical length of vein m is longer than the preceding length to the cross-vein
• base of vein r4+5 is setulose
• front tibia without posterior bristles
• eyes hairy

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a good quality photo is required showing the wing venation and the top of the fly.

Common but under-recorded in England and Wales.

Common but under-recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.