This small beetle (around 3mm) is sometimes called the Saddle-backed Bitoma and the black 'saddle' on red elytra is a helpful identification guide. It also has characteristic deep ridges along the pronotum.

In well wooded areas and parkland where it is usually found beneath bark or on dead timber, though it can sometimes be seen on exposed wood where the bark is missing.

All year round.

It can often be seen in groups of up to a dozen individuals.

Fairly common in England and Wales.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 19 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.