Length 6.5 mm. This is small, brown ground beetle has a dark/black head and pale appendages. The elongate and highly sinuate pronotum, heavily punctured at the base, together with the pale legs helps to make this species 9the only UK species in the genus) distinctive.

Oxypselaphus obscurus should have all of the following characters:

• 5-6.5mm
• Head black, pronotum & elytra brown, legs pale
• Antennae darkened from 4th segment to the apex
• Pronotum narrow, sinuate, with the base strongly punctured
• Wings absent

Associated with wetter areas.

It can be found all year round but is most likely to be seen from spring to autumn.

Widespread in the southern half of Britain, it can be plentiful in suitable wetter areas.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.