As is typical of the rove beetles the elytra on extend partway across its abdomen, in this case about two thirds. It also has a characteristic curvy shape to its pronotum.

This beetle lives around water and in splashed habitats.

All year round peaking in April and May.

It is recognised as a useful predator of pests on Oilseed Rape.

Fairly frequent and widespread throughout Britain, especially well recorded in central and northern England.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 309 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.