[3] It has a slim, cylindrical build and a rounded, highly mobile head on a long neck, traits shared with other Xiphydria.

[4] It can be distinguished from other species by the abdomen having a red band in the middle.

Larval boring in willow can cause reduced vigour, dieback and damaged heartwood.

Males are known to tap timber using the tips of their abdomens, creating sounds that can be heard from several metres away.

[3] Recorded host genera include maple (Acer), alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), hornbeam (Carpinus), Platanus, Populus, oak (Quercus), willow (Salix) and elm (Ulmus).