Length of body 2.2 to 2.7 mm. The body has a rather banded appearance between dark brown and a lighter yellowy brown. The pedipalps are a reddish tawny brown.

Chernes cimicoides can be found under the bark of dry, dead and over-mature trees, particularly oak, beech, elm and willow.

All year round.

In Britain it is widespread throughout England, as far north as York and into mid Wales.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.