Distinguished from some similar species by the absence of raised longitudinal lines on the elytra.

Various habitats – wherever food sources occur.

Most often encountered in the warmer months of the year.

As well as taking carrion it is a predator of snails.

Often coastal but found locally inland though usually in the southern half of Britain.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were only 2 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.