Length 5 to 6 mm. A peculiar, elongate and well marked species. There are two distinct common forms, with short wings (micropterous) and long wings (macropterous) respectively. Occasional specimens with wings of intermediate length are also known.

Relatively easy to identify and unlikely to be confused with anything else.

Swarms of thousands are often seen in wetland areas.

Adult: all year, but especially in typhae litter in dry marshy margins in late summer.

The distinctive nymphs may be found on grasses and reeds throughout the summer and into winter.

Until 1893 was known only from a handful of sites in Kent and Surrey. Since then, it has enormously increased its range, and is still expanding northwards and westwards; it is now fairly widespread in England at least.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.