Length 8 to 10.5 mm. A stoutly-built insect. The patterning may vary slightly but there are always black lobes on the second abdominal segment. There are other similar species and care needs to be taken with identification.

It's preferred habitat is damp floodplain meadows, it will use other moist areas and woodland, particularly if there is mud or soft wet ground close by.

May to September.

The adults can give humans a painful bite, and the females suck the blood of grazing animals, whilst males feed on flower pollen. The larvae feed upon organic matter in damp soils, and are termed hydrobionts in that they inhabit areas of high water content.

Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.

Fairlyfrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Chrysops ID Guide - Soldierflies and Allies Recording Scheme

Chrysops relictus - Influential Points