Only two species in this group are normally found inland. Heterocerus fenestratus has the two orange marks on the elytra, each side of the suture, reaching the front margin of the elytra. In H. marginatus, the other inland species, these marks are absent so that the base of the elytra is entirely dark. Heterocerus fenestratus is very hairy and has heavily spined front legs used to excavate tunnels in mud.

In burrows in mud at the edge of ponds etc.

Can be seen in summer by using the method outlined below. Flies at night and sometimes attracted to light.

They live in burrows in mud at the edge of ponds etc. and can sometimes be tempted out by splashing water from the pond onto the mud.

Widespread in southern Britain

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 89 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.