Oiceoptoma thoracicum

Sometimes known as the Red-breasted Carrion Beetle, this is a two coloured species and distinctive in appearance.

Found on or under the carcasses of birds and small mammals, often in woodland habitats.

Mainly April to August.

Curiously enough this species does not eat the material itself, but both adults and larvae hunt for larvae of other insects, such as flies, eating from the remains.

Widespread but not particularly common in Britain.

Infrequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were approximately 9 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.