Leistus spinibarbis

About 8 to 10 mm. A handsome ground beetle, which has a blue colouration to its elytra, but this can vary in different light conditions.

Very similar to L. fulvibarbis  and best separated by the pronotum characters. In L. spinibarbis the flattened and punctured side margins are much wider than in L. fulvibarbis and in L. fulvibarbis the pronotum is more srtrongly contracted towards the base and there is a distinct straight portion immediately in front of the base, while in L. spinibarbis the curve continues almost to the base. (see diagram)

There is also fine wrinkling on the head of L. spinibarbis whereas L, fulvibarbis lacks this.

http://johnwalters.co.uk/pdfs/4%20Leistus%20(Telfer%20and%20Walters%202010).pdf

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Commonly found under logs or loose bark and in a variety of habitats, including in gardens amongst overgrown vegetation.

All year round but best in spring and summer.

Very fast moving when disturbed.

Common and widespread in England and Wales.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 78 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.