Anthocomus rufus

Anthocomus rufus

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Description

Length 4 to 5 mm. This is a small bright red beetle with elytra that are shorter than the body and with black on the head and thorax.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Has a preference for wetter areas around reedbeds and margins.

When to see it

August to October.

Life History

Feeds on flowers and small insects.

UK Status

Widespread in the southern half of Britain.

VC55 Status

Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were only 7 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.

  • Mike Higgott
    Kelham Bridge NR
    06 August 2025
  • David Nicholls
    Brascote, silt lagoons
    28 August 2023
  • David Nicholls
    Bagworth Heath
    17 September 2011
  • David Gould
    Narborough Bog NR
    28 July 2011
  • David Gould
    Narborough Bog
    11 August 2017
  • David Gould
    Narborough Bog
    11 August 2017
  • David Gould
    Narborough Bog
    11 August 2017
  • sue
    Watermead North CP, near R Soar bridge
    14 August 2025

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records