Swamp creature in microcosm (4)
I believe the answer is:
croc
'swamp creature' is the definition.
(short for crocodile)
'in microcosm' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'CROC' is hidden within 'microcosm'.
(Other definitions for croc that I've seen before include "Small animal" , "Single-handed mariner's nemesis" , "creature heard to be a vicious one" , "that might be sitting on your foot" , "Wild animal" .)