A small (2.5 to 3 mm long) rove beetle.  Like most Tachyporus species, it is variable in appearance and shaped like a teardrop travelling blunt end first. It is identified by the second antennal segment being thickened and noticeable wider than the third segment.

A specimen needs to be examined with a microscope or hand lens. In the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed, providing images where possible.

It often occurs in marginal or other permanently wet or damp habitats e.g. streams, marshes and can be found among decaying vegetation and accumulated leaf-litter, but may also occur among decaying logs and stumps in any situation or under or among stored hay and straw.

All year round but with numbers increasing from late April until the end of the summer.

Widespread and common in England and Wales.

Quite common in Leicestershire and Rutland.