Tachyporus chrysomelinus sensu stricto

This small orange or orange and black rove beetle is shaped rather like a teardrop, travelling blunt end first! It is very similar to T. dispar and can only be separated by detailed examination.

In plant litter, moss, leaves etc., and on the soil surface.

All year round peaking between late February and May.

Predatory on small insects on the soil or on plants, especially aphids.

Common and widespread in Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were approximately 238 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.