[2] It is a large beetle (24–35 millimetres or 0.9–1.4 inches in length), with a metallic purple or blue and roughly surfaced elytra; the second pair of wings (which are used by beetles for flying) under the elytra are reduced.

[3] Carabus intricatus are nocturnal carnivores that are mainly active in the spring and early summer.

It does not require ground vegetation, and likes damp, rotten, moss-covered wood.

[3] The beetles seem to be active throughout the year and a fully-grown larva has been found in summer.

This specimen also ate slugs prior to pupating, and emerged as an adult some three weeks later.