[2] This species is in the adiastola subgroup and is closely related to D. setosimentum,[3] but male D. ochrobasis have strikingly different wing markings.

[4] This fly is largely yellow-brown, with red eyes, a yellow front, and a white face.

Male wings are clear basally and dark apically, with two hyaline spots toward the apex.

[1] Threats to the conservation of D. ochrobasis include loss-of-habitat, in part due to invasive pigs, goats, cattle, and rats, all of which are known to feed on host plants.

Invasive plants, such as Psidium cattleianum, Passiflora mollissima, Pennisetum setaceum, and Rubus argutus, also threaten the conservation of D. ochrobasis and other members of the native Hawaiian ecosystem.