Heteromurus nitidus is a widespread and common species found in a variety of habitats. The body is iridescent and covered in rounded scales (needs high power magnification) Details of the antennae are difficult to see - technically there are five segments but it looks like four, and the terminal section (ant5) annulated with numerous regularly-spaced subsegments. Most characteristically, the eyes consist of a single reddish-brown ocellus on each side of the head making this species easy to identify. The furca is quite long and the mucro has two teeth; the empodium of the foot is about 80% as long as the claw.

Found in a variety of habitats rich in organic matter. It is also common in caves.

All year round.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.