Length is about 6 mm. The elytra have a green iridescent sheen and are studded by tiny holes. The 'head' is red.

The two species Oulema duftschmidi and Oulema melanopus are almost impossible to separate without detailed examination.  If that detailed examination has not taken place records should be submitted as Oulema duftschmidi/melanopus agg.

Only specimens examined in detail by someone with suitable expertise should be recorded as Oulema melanopus s.s. any others should be recorded as O. duftschmidi/melanopus agg.

Feeds on grasses and cereal crops.

Late Spring to early Autumn.

Adults and larvae both feed on leaves of cereal crops and may become a pest.

Most frequently recorded in the Southern half of Britain, but true status is difficult to determine due to difficult of identification.

Probably quite infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. True status is difficult to determine due to difficult of identification.