Length 5 to 7 mm. The pronotum usually has a paler lateral margin and the elytra colour can vary.  It can resemble several other species in the tribe Aphodiini, and detailed examination is necessary.

Found in various types of dung.

A late summer/autumn species – late June to early October.

Locally frequent throughout England and in some areas of Wales and Scotland.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 31 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.