Description

Body length 6 - 15mm. A black beetle with a bright yellow band across the pronotum, yellow bands across the elytra and reddish legs.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows where the larvae develop in dead and rotting wood infected with a fungus. The adults can often be seen basking on leaves and visit flowers, especially umbellifers, for pollen.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in the south, becoming progressively less common further to the north. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to July.