Roughly sculptured elytra and pronotum, with bristly scales on the elytral ridges.

In the nests of certain birds such as owls and jackdaws.

April to August. It is not often seen due to its lifestyle but is occasionally attracted to light although it does not often fly.

It develops in bird nests in places such as hollow trees, particularly owl nests but also jackdaw, woodpecker and others. Feeds mainly on small carcases, especially when dry.

Scattered records from England south of the Humber and Wales, it seems to be scarce on under recorded elsewhere in Britain.

It seems to be uncommon or little recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were only 9 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.