5-6mm. This is the commonest species in the genus. The greyish brown elytra bear a pair of yellow spots. Scutellum completely yellow. Pronotum yellow with usually with some dark markings, that can vary in extent.  When viewed from above the sides of the pronotum is more or less parallel and gently curve around to the front. Head all black from the front/middle of the eyes to the back. Front of the head yellow without any orange. Elytra not clearly punctured in obvious rows along the length. Legs yellow.

There are four UK species in the genus but these can generally be separated with care. M. seriepunctatus is the most similar but is smaller than M. flaveolus.

Malthodes species are often confused with Malthinus species but one general way of distinguishing is that Malthinus have “Y” shaped heads and the head of Malthodes are much more rounded.

Your specimen should have these features:

• Head: black to the eyes, front yellow
• Pronotum: yellow + 2 dark bands. Parallel edges. No pale rim
• Scutellum: all yellow
• Elytra: without striae
• Legs: all yellow

Hedgerows and wooded areas, especially on Oaks.

June to August.

Widespread in England and Wales, less common in Scotland.

Reasonably common in Leicestershire and Rutland.