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The adult size of D. badipes is on average between 13 and 19 mm long (Downie and Arnett, 1996). The entire dorsal surface of D. badipes is black or dark brown with black pubescence (Arnett and Thomas, 2000). Head and elytra finely but densely punctate. The femurs and tibiae are red or reddish-brown and so are the coxae. Antennae have 11 antenomeres and are also red or reddish-brown. The mandibles are reddish-brown basally but dark or nearly black apically. Each abdominal sternum (ventral surface of abdominal segments) has a transverse bar of golden pubescence on the anterior side which is sometimes not easily seen (Smetana and Davies, 2000). The tarsal formula is 5-5-5.

Very little is known about the life history of D. badipes other than that its habitat is under covers of various types and located near water (Arnett and Thomas, 2000). It was successfully reared using diplopods as food source (Snider, 1984). Also, like virtually all the Staphilinini, D. badipes possess a paired eversible gland that is used for defense(Arnett and Thomas, 2000). This gland, located at the tip of the abdomen is brought in contact with the threatening agent and a defense chemical is released.