Length 6 to 8 mm. One of several similar species of metallic green beetles which have a short, cylindrical robust body and head hidden under the front edge of pronotum.

Cryptocephalus hypochaeridis looks very similar but has is more blue-green in colour.

Often on low branches of Hazel, Oak, Hawthorn, Willow and Birch, but also on flowers.

Best time is late spring and summer.

Widespread and fairly frequent at least in the southern half of Britain.

Uncommon and local in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a only 4 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.