Length 2.5 to 3.5 mm. A small dark brown looking fly. The front legs appear to have swollen thighs and are slightly more yellowy brown. The wings have a dark shading.

Usually you will find them on tree trunks (both standing and felled trees) and they can hide under loose bark or stones as well when feeling threatened.

May to October.

When threatened they usually try to run away (very quickly for a fly!), flying away is usually the last resort.

Widespread but under recorded in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.