These large distinctive hoverflies have sparse, fine light hair.

Thorax is shiny black, scutellum is yellowish-green and the abdomen is dark black, The legs are light brown-yellow in the middle, while femurs and feet are darker.

The abdomen shows three pairs of yellow comma markings (lunules).

They mainly feed on nectar and pollen of various Asteraceae, on Crataegus species, Heracleum sphondylium, Rumex acetosa, Rumex obtusifolius, Stellaria holostea, Salix caprea and Salix cinerea.

[2][3] This species is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, in the Near East, and in North Africa.