The beetle has enlarged femurs for its main locomotion method of hopping.

This two-pronged attack is quite successful in preventing ragwort growth and development.

The beetles have prevented entire populations of ragwort from reaching flowering stage at several monitored sites.

The beetle is most effective when used in conjunction with the cinnabar moth (Tyria jacobaeae), another ragwort biocontrol agent.

A close relative, Longitarsus ganglbaueri, which also feeds on ragwort, does attack other plant species; it is not used as a biocontrol agent for this reason.