In Brachypalpus valgus the thorax and scutellum are unstriped and aeneous black.

The abdominal tergites are shining black with red lateral colour at base of abdomen.

Brachypalpus valgus is a Palearctic species with a limited distribution in Europe[17] South Fennoscandia to the Pyrenees then Ireland east through central Europe and northern Italy to Yugoslavia and European parts of Russia.

[18] Occurs in wooded areas (over-mature Fagus and Quercus forest with senile trees and fallen, rotting timber) where it is a bioindicator.

Both sexes visit the flowers of umbellifers, Berberis, Crataegus, Photinia, Prunus and Sorbus.