Female: Length 0.4 to 0.7 mm. Male: Length 0.4 to 0.5 mm. The head shape is characteristic in being wide and spatula shaped. Its carapace has pentagonal and hexagonal cells. The post-abdomen is small and has small bundles of hairs instead of denticles, while the basal spine is very small compared to other chydorids. Its colour is light grey.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

It occurs in various water bodies such as lakes, ponds and canals.

All year round

True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but probably common throughout.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.