Length 6 or 7mm. Males have white middle tarsi. Females have front femora with a row of strong ventral spines in the basal half and three strong bristles at the top of the front coxa.

The genus Sciapus is recognised by the wing venation. Vein M forks with the upper split reaching wing edge just below vein R4+5. The lower split nearly reaching the wing edge.

To be seen around hedgerows and on tree trunks.

Summer

Preys on small insects.

Widespread, but not particularly frequent in Britain.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.