Formerly known as Paralister carbonarius. Approx 6 mm long and 4 mm wide. This beetle has a rounded shape and is uniformly black with well separated lines of studded holes on the elytra. The shortened elytra leave two of the seven tergites exposed. The antennae are angled and clubbed.

Various habitats, but can be found in dung, carcases and decomposing fungi.

Spring and summer.

The larvae and adult forms of Histeridae have been known to feed on dung, carrion, decomposing vegetation, other insects, larvae, and pupae.

Fairly frequent in England.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.