Euophryum confine

2.5 to 3.6mm. Elongate, parallel and very convex, entirely dark brown or with legs and humeral spot lighter. Upper surface with very fine and sparse pubescence. Head behind eyes smooth and very finely punctate, rest of head coarsely punctate, eyes very small and protruding. Rostrum pointed forward, not received into a ventral groove, coarsely punctate becoming finer towards apex, widened from before antennal insertions. Antennae inserted about halfway.

Its small size can make it hard to photograph the details required for identification. Pentharthrum huttoni is very similar but more rare. Stereocorynes truncorum is little larger and a more thickset.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed.

They are wood borers and can be found in and under damaged bark and in rotting wood or even leaf litter – often in woodland. They will also attack damp or rotting timber indoors, and have been found in large numbers between the wet delaminating layers of plywood.

All year round, but peak time is the period from spring to autumn.

The life cycle appears to be annual with adults emerging simultaneously in large numbers.

Common and widespread in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.