Description

Over all length 9 to 11mm. A very distinctive beetle with a deep pronotum. The over all colour is a metallic reddish purple, with large black eyes.

Habitat

The larvae feed beneath the bark of Hawthorn bushes. The adults leave distinctive D-shaped holes when they emerge.

Status and distribution

A local species, confined mainly to the south of England. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire and recorded twice at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

June to September.