One of the larger rove beetles at 12 to 16 mm. It is all black except for red legs and the antennae basal segments + apical segment. It can be distinguished from all other similar species by the dense punctures on the pronotum that are all of even size.

• 12-18mm
• all black with red legs
• antennal base & tip red
• pronotal punctures dense and even in size
• abdomen matt black

A ground dwelling beetle recorded in various habitats from woodland to well drained arable fields. It may be found sheltering under logs and stones, and is sometimes recorded in pitfall traps.

All year peaking in summer.

Widespread in England, but less well recorded elsewhere in Britain

Occasional and rather in Leicestershire and Rutland.