The species is generally metallic bright green, with some of the mint leaf beetles having a gold-purple reflection.

Variations in colour exist,[3] with certain specimens, in particular females,[5] ranging from golden-red to deep blue.

[6] The adult beetles can be 8–10 mm long and have black-coloured larvae,[4][7] which also feed on mint leaves.

[6] The mint leaf beetle prefers to live in damp riverside areas and marshy fields,[7] favouring different wet habitats,[3] as well as in woodland, parkland, and gardens.

[7] In the UK, the adult beetles start appearing in April or May, being prevalent by late May or early June and remaining like this throughout the whole summer.