Length 4.5 to 5 mm. One of the smallest of the British Elaterids. The elytra, legs and antennae are orange-brown with a darker stripe down the centre of the elytra. The pronotum and head are black. The elytral striae are deep at the base but become shallower towards the tip. The elytra are covered in pale, semi-erect hairs.

Primarily wetland habitats including wet meadows, stream edges and fens, but also hedgerows and rough grasslands. It has been found both on trees and on low growing vegetation.

May to July.

Widespread in England but not particularly common with only scattered records from Scotland and Wales.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.