Length 5 to 6 mm. Very shiny black, lacking a paler patch at the tips of the elytra and with brown hind tibiae. Eyes very large, head wider than pronotum. Elytral interval 2 is no wider than 3, 4 and 5 combined. There are two pores at each of the elytral apices.

Other Notiophilus species.

• 5 to 6 mm
• lacking a paler patch at the tips of the elytra
• brown hind tibiae
• eytral interval 2 is no wider than 3, 4 and 5 combined
• two pores at each of the elytral apices

Although Notiophilus species in general prefer open, dry habitats, N. palustris has also been found in more shaded and moist situations.

May be encountered in most months of the year.

Notiophilus generally feed on springtails.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were approximately 18 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.