The species is approximately 4–6 mm in length and is a uniform dark colouration on its head, thorax and abdomen.

[4] It is one of the three species of Glischrochilus found in the United Kingdom[2][5] and has a wide distribution in England, Wales, and Scotland.

[1] Glischrochilus hortensis is often found in woodland,[2] particularly near exuding tree sap.

[3] A survey in Turkey in 2013 caught specimens in aerial traps baited with beer in a mixed broadleaved and coniferous tree forest.

[4] It is active all-year round, but most often found in the months April to October.