Abstract The trechine carabid species Iberotrechus bolivari (Jeannel) was thought to be a troglobite confined to the type locality (Cueva del Pis). Discovery of epigeal populations in the Cantabrian valleys of the Pas and Pisuena river basins and in nearby caves have enlarged the geographical range of this species to an additional three caves of the valleys of the Pisuena, Besaya and Ason river. New data on the biology and way of life of the species show that it is markedly hygrophilous, lucifugous and epigeal: habits that enable permit its occasional establishment in the underground environment are confirmed.