3.5 to 5 mm. This beetle is metallic blue or greenish. The pronotum is constricted in the middle (which separates the genus from Oulema). All tibia have two apical spurs.

Oulema species look similar but lack the medially constricted pronotum.

• 3.5-5mm
• metallic blue of green
• pronotum medially constricted
• two apical spurs on each tibia

A variety of grassland habitats, especially where thistles are present.

Mainly encountered between March and September, peaking in late May.

The larvae feed mainly on thistles.

Widespread in the southern half of Britain.

Infrequently recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.