5-7.5mm. The head, thorax and abdomen are black though there is a distinct brown central spot on the first abdominal tergite. Tibia and tarsi are yellow. The wings are slightly darkened.

The similar elm-feeding sawfly, Cladius ulmi, lacks the central brown spot on the first abdominal tergite and features a black spot on the front of the face (absent in C. rufipes).

Larvae feed externally on Elm leaves.

The adult flight period is typically May to August.

Fairly common.

Uncommon.