Belongs to a group of medium to large-sized brachyceran dipterans within the family Tabanidae, exhibiting a robust body length ranging from 14 to 18 millimeters. This species is visually characterized by a distinctive dark infuscation or clouding on the apical and central membranes of its otherwise hyaline wings, a feature that inspires its specific epithet. The general body coloration is predominantly dark brown to blackish, punctuated by patches of dense grayish or golden pubescence on the abdominal tergites. Its broad head is dominated by prominent compound eyes which are holoptic in males and dichoptic in females, displaying iridescent green and purple bands when viewed under direct light. A major diagnostic key lies in the antenna, where the first flagellomere possesses a highly developed dorsal process or antennal tooth that projects forward conspicuously, a definitive hallmark of the genus Dicladocera. The thorax displays subtle pale longitudinal stripes against a dark background, and the legs are mostly light brown with darker tarsal segments.

Geographical distribution: Occurs primarily throughout the montane regions of the Andes mountain range in South America. Its presence is well-documented in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, and northern regions of Peru and Venezuela. It occupies specific latitudinal belts along both the eastern and western slopes of the Andes, showing a strong affinity for mid-to-high-elevation cloud forests and inter-Andean valleys. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 meters above sea level, where temperate and humid climatic conditions support its population dynamics.

Habitat: Inhabits pristine Andean cloud forests and montane humid forests, which are characterized by high relative humidity, frequent rainfall, and a dense canopy layered with epiphytes. It is frequently observed in ecotonal transition zones, forest edges, gaps created by fallen trees, and especially near flowing water bodies such as mountain streams, creeks, and fast-flowing riparian margins. These environments provide essential shelter for adults and optimal substrate conditions for the development of immature stages.

Feeding: Exhibits a striking trophic and functional dimorphism between the sexes. Females are obligate hematophages, requiring blood meals from large and medium-sized vertebrates to obtain the necessary nutrients for egg maturation. They target wild mammals such as tapirs, deer, and rodents, as well as introduced domestic livestock, using their heavily sclerotized, blade-like mouthparts to slash the skin and lap up the pooled blood. Contrarily, males lack these specialized mouthparts and are strictly glycophagous, feeding on floral nectar, plant sap, and honeydew, thereby acting as incidental pollinators of various understory plant species.

Behavior: Displays a strictly diurnal and heliophilic activity pattern, with flight and host-seeking behaviors peaking during hours of high solar radiation and warmer temperatures, typically between mid-morning and early afternoon. Females are exceptionally fast, agile, and persistent fliers, capable of pursuing hosts over long distances by tracking visual movement, thermal gradients, and emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). Males exhibit a territorial mating strategy known as hovering, suspending themselves in small sunlit patches within the forest canopy to intercept and copulate with passing receptive females mid-air.

Reproduction: Represents an oviparous life cycle that is intimately tied to aquatic and highly humid substrates. After a successful mating event and subsequent blood meal, the female searches for suitable oviposition sites, typically choosing leaves of overhanging vegetation, low branches, or rocks located directly above water surfaces or damp mud along stream banks. She deposits compact masses of eggs that darken over time to blend with the environment. Upon hatching, the larvae fall directly into the water or wet mud below. The larvae are free-living, fusiform, and act as voracious predators, utilizing sickle-shaped mandible structures to feed on other aquatic invertebrates, insect larvae, and small worms before pupating in nearby damp soil.

Conservation status: Is not currently listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, technically classified as Not Evaluated (NE). Nevertheless, local populations are highly susceptible to the degradation of Andean montane ecosystems. Accelerating deforestation, habitat fragmentation driven by agricultural expansion, and the chemical contamination of mountain waterways by agricultural runoff present severe threats, reducing suitable reproductive microhabitats and host availability.