Length 2.5-3.0 mm. Stygnocoris species are small ground bugs in which the pronotum and forewings are covered in fine hairs. The pronotum is punctured throughout, and the front femora lack spines. S. sabulosus and the closely related S. fuligineus are very similar; this species is distinguished by the shiny aspect of the dorsal surface, the long erect pubescence and the entirely pale legs. It is always macropterous.

Lasiosomus enervis is similar but the anterior half of the pronotum is unpunctured. 

Can be identified with care but there are similar species that it could be confused with.

Detailed examination of the specimen is needed to identify the species.

Favours dry habitats with chalky or sandy soils.

Adult: August-October

Unlike most ground bugs, this species overwinters as eggs, which hatch in the spring, nymphs becoming adult by late summer.

Common throughout the UK.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.