11 to 13mm. It is a black with red/brown antennae and tarsi. Detailed examination is necessary for identification.

It is similar to several other species, especially the less common Quedius fuliginosus. In this species the meta sternum lacks the longitudinal keel.

• 11-13mm
• pronotum dorsal punctures in front half only
• four basal segments of front tarsi dilated
• eyes take up around two thirds of the side of the head
• scutellum unpunctured and glabrous
• metasternum with a longitudinal keel

A species of extensive habitats on damp soils. It is often found in rotting logs, rotting vegetation etc.

All year round.

Widespread and frequent in most of Britain.

Widespread and fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 155 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.