The genus is identified by the transverse furrow across the pronotum. This is an orangey brown flea beetle. 

N. transversa is distinguished from the similar N. ferruginea by having the elytral pores in ragged lines (compared with the neat, straight lines of ferruginea).

These beetles are associated with Thistles and sometimes with Meadowsweet.

The larvae graze on Thistles.

Fairly common and widespread throughout Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.