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

Habitat
Often found on post-industrial sites where Ragwort and Groundsel is plentiful.
When to see it
All year round, but perhaps more common in the cooler months than in the summer.
Life History
Feeds on the roots and leaves of various plants especially Groundsel and Ragwort.
UK Status
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.
VC55 Status
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.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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