It reaches 1.0 mm in length and is variable in appearance, usually being diffusely black, brown or yellowish in colour with no clear banding. The Sminthurinus aureus group has the 'small abdomen' (the animal's "tail end") wholly fused, while other UK Sminthurinus have a visible division between segments 5 and 6. The fourth antennal segment (ant4) is not subdivided. 

Found in leaf litter and low vegetation in almost all terrestrial habitats. Often abundant under fallen leaves in autumn.

All year round but mainly spring to autumn.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.