3.5 to 4.5mm. The entire body is usually shiny black or dark brown.

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.

Vegetation near water and in marshes.

May to September.

Larvae develop among soil and organic detritus.

Widespread and locally common in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.