This species is surprisingly a rove beetle, to which it bears little resemblance. It is mainly black and glossyy but with four red spots or blotches (two on each elytra).

Often under fungoid logs, or feeding on fungi such as brackets.

April to August

It feeds on fungus and is sometimes called a 'Shining Fungus Beetle'.

This beetle is fairly widespread in England and Wales, but not further north. It is not particularly common.

Uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland.