Empis ciliata can reach a length of 9.5–12.2 millimetres (0.37–0.48 in) in males, of 9–13 millimetres (0.35–0.51 in) in females.
The wing length of males reaches  9–10.5 millimetres (0.35–0.41 in), while in females reach 9.3–11.5 millimetres (0.37–0.45 in).

These flies have shining black body, head, antennae and legs.
Halteres are black and metapleural bristles are partly whitish.
The base of the abdomen has whitish hairs.
The legs are very hairy, with brush-like thighs especially in the females.
The wings are long, robust, very dark brown or black.
They have a long black sucking snout pointed downwards, used to suck their food.

This species is rather similar to Empis tessellata, but the latter is bigger and has brown-yellowish wings.
Empis ciliata can reach a length of 9.5–12.2 millimetres (0.37–0.48 in) in males, of 9–13 millimetres (0.35–0.51 in) in females. The wing length of males reaches  9–10.5 millimetres (0.35–0.41 in), while in females reach 9.3–11.5 millimetres (0.37–0.45 in).
These flies have shining black body, head, antennae and legs. Halteres are black and metapleural bristles are partly whitish. The base of the abdomen has whitish hairs. The legs are very hairy, with brush-like thighs especially in the females. The wings are long, robust, very dark brown or black. They have a long black sucking snout pointed downwards, used to suck their food.
This species is rather similar to Empis tessellata, but the latter is bigger and has brown-yellowish wings.
Empis ciliata