The pale tan or buff elytra are marked with a darker patterning which no doubt help to camouflage this beetle against bark and in shadowy areas.

Synchita variegata (Cicones variegatus)

Often found on the trunks of Sycamore.

All year round.

The present opinion appears to be that it is associated with sooty bark disease on Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), caused by the ascomycete fungus Cryptostroma corticale.

It's a fairly recent discovery in Britain, apparently now common around London and probably under-recorded.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Croft Hill record of 9th March 2014 is believed to be the first for VC55.