Longitarsus dorsalis

This small beetle (2 to 3 mm) has a black head and an brown pronotum. The dark elytra have broad yellow margins.

Often found on post-industrial sites where Ragwort and Groundsel is plentiful.

All year round, but perhaps more common in the cooler months than in the summer.

Feeds on the roots and leaves of various plants especially Groundsel and Ragwort.

Most records come from south of a line between the Severn and the Humber. It is quite a local species, but seems to be increasing in numbers.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland, but posibly becoming more common in our area. There were a total of 17 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.