Length 4 mm. Generally orange but with the front half of the elytra and the last abdominal segments black.

Though the genus is generally recognisable, there are 14 UK species so care needs to be taken to identify to species.

• c4mm
• head and pronotum orange
• typically black on the front half of the elytra
• black tip to the abdomen

Typical specimens can be recognised from a quality image.

Most habitats including woods and gardens - on plants, moss and in leaf litter.

Most likely to be seen in summer and autumn

Feeds on aphids and other tiny insects

Common and widespread in Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 302 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.