Length 14 to 19 mm. This beetle has a long thin head designed for getting inside snail shells to eat the flesh. It also has a pear-shaped body and is not likely to be confused with any other species.

It is mainly found in woodland and other shaded habitats living under rotten logs.

It can found all year. In winter, it hibernates, often in groups, in hollows under logs and stones.

Larvae occur during autumn and winter as a result of autumn breeding.

Quite common and widespread over much of Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 66 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.