6.5-8.5mm. Dark brown but with pale yellow legs and antennae. It is elongate in shape with prominent mandibles projecting forward which are as long as the head. The right-hand mandible is broader than the left and slightly shorter. Wings are usually absent or maybe very short.

Damp and shady habitats, such as woodland.

All year, with numbers peaking in May and June. They overwinter under bark or in grass tussocks.

Fairly common and widespread.

Uncommon.