This is a large ground beetle (10-14mm) with a broad pronotum. It is black or dark brown but with mid-brown legs and antennae, though the femora are usually darker brown. It is very similar to N. salina which prefers damper habitats.

Nebria brevicollis and N. salina are indistinguishable without examining the beetles under a microscope (or possibly a good hand lens). N. brevicollis has fine hairs on the dorsal surface of the hind tarsi which are absent in N. salina.

Found in woodland, especially under stones and in disturbed habitat, but also in parks, grassland and even gardens.

Mainly June to August.

Predatory on other small creatures.

It is very common and widespread across Britain except in the far north.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.