Length 4 to 5 mm. Drymus is one of several lygaeid genera in which the front femur has one larger tooth and several small ones; it is rather a difficult genus to identify. In D. sylvaticus and D. ryei the tibiae lack long erect hairs and the scutellum and pronotum are entirely black.

The species is best distinguished from D. sylvaticus by the uniformly dark forewings and blackish membrane. The wings are also usually slightly shorter than the abdomen.

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

Found amongst moss, grass and leaf-litter on dryish soils, probably feeding on a range of plants.

All year round

Found widely but less commonly than D. sylvaticus.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.