A largely black and rather bristly beetle, it is 8 to10 mm in length, with large red spots on its wing cases which give the appearance of a red background behind a black cross.

Panagaeus bipustulatus is a commoner relative, looking very much alike except for being smaller.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. Please give an indication of size when submitting records for this species.

It shelters under pieces of wood during the day.

To follow.

It is a nocturnal predatory species thought to mainly feed on semi-aquatic snails.

Scarce and very local, mainly found in the southern half of Britain.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.