Small (1.5 to 2 mm) with conspicuous dark spots on forewings. Males always have wings longer than abdomen (macropterous) but females occur in both long and short-winged (brachypterous) forms. The markings are variable, and there are other very similar species. To record to species level gen det is required.  If this has not taken place records should be added as Ectopsocus briggsi agg. (briggsi/petersi/meridionalis).

Ectopsocus briggsi and E. meridionalis.

To confirm this species the genitalia need to be examined microscopically.

Found on very wide range of trees, shrubs and various other microhabitats.

All year round.

Probably widespread and common in Britain, but true status is difficult to determine due to difficulty of identification.

Probably widespread and common in Leicestershire and Rutland, but true status is difficult to determine due to difficulty of identification.