6-10 mm in length,  with a narrow thorax. The head and thorax are red and the abdomen usually blue-grey or grey-green, but sometimes quite dark and nearly black.  The common name is derived from the fact that, when threatened, it can eject bursts of gas from its rear end accompanied by a rapid popping sound.

Please provide a close-up photograph to support your record.

Favours areas with chalk or limestone.

All year round.

Mainly a southern species, with few records north of The Wash.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland which seems to be at the northern edge of it's range.