Description

Over all length 4 - 5mm. Head black, pronotum and legs red, elytra dark metallic blue. There are two very similar species, Oulema melanopus and O. rufocyanea, so care must be taken when identifying them.

Habitat

Grasslands and cereal crops where they feed on a wide variety of cultivated and wild grasses.

Status and distribution

Widespread and common in Britain, especially in East Anglia and the south east. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

All year.