Moderately small (c. 2.5-3mm) ‘picture-winged’ barkfly. Scarce in Britain and Ireland.
No areola postica. Prominent dark spot in centre of forewing (cf. P. milleri). Apical cells each have light patches on either side of dark areas (cf. P. subfasciatus).
Female
Subgenital plate (underside of abdomen) of distinctive shape with very broad ‘arms’ and short, rounded apical lobe. Compare with similar species