Length around 32mm, this species is a small darter with black legs and broad hind wings. Males of the Banded Darter, like most members of the genus, have a red abdomen and the female ochre-brown. Both sexes have a brown band across each wing just inside the pale yellow to red pterostigma. This is the species' primary distinguishing feature. It is similar in size to the Black Darter (35-40mm), sharing the broad hindwings and black legs.

The weak, low, fluttering flight is not unlike that of a Black Darter, but it perches frequently on the tips of rush stems rather than on the ground. It is a surprisingly inconspicuous species.

Habitat in frequents marshes, swamps and pools with dense reed beds usually in hilly country, this species is resident in continental Europe. Its main breeding range is south-eastern, especially at medium altitudes, although it appears to be spreading westwards.