This continental European species is probably the most widespread and most frequently encountered member of this rather obscure family found in Europe.

It is also by far the smallest orthopteran found in Western Europe, with its total adult length never exceeding 3.5 mm (0.14 in).

This specialized way of life has led this insect to evolve many morphological differences compared to other orthopterans, including complete absence of wings (as they never leave their host nest) and hearing organs (as they no longer use stridulation), and much reduced eyesight, as well as their very small size.

These tiny insects are dark brown with paler bands and prominent cerci, which serve as their primary sensory organs.

The species was one of the earliest myrmecophiles to be studied; its relationship with ants was first described by the Italian naturalist Paolo Savi in 1819.