Beetles previously thought to be Ocys harpaloides have recently been shown to comprise two species, the other being Ocys tachysoides, but they can only be separated by examination of the genitalia or DNA analysis. If you are unable to separate the two species, record it as this aggregate.

Length 4 to 6mm. Head and pronotum glossy reddish brown with head slightly darker. Elytra wider than pronotum, dark brown sometimes with a faint hint of metallic blue, side margin and suture often paler. Legs and antennae dull yellow to red-brown.

Under bark or other litter in damp woodlands. Under stones in more open damp sites.

May to October.

Widespread and abundant except in the extreme north.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 72 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.