Description

Over all length 9 - 11mm. This is a bright orange beetle with a black mask, elytra (wing cases), hind tibia and the distal half of the hind femora. Some individuals have a large or small black mark on the pronotum.

Habitat

Hedgerows and rank vegetation. Prefers damper sites. Feeds on other small insects, larva feeds on invertebrates in the leaf litter and soil.

Status and distribution

A common and well distributed species in the southern half of Britain. Not as common in the north. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to July.