Tachinus rufipes

This is a relatively common dark coloured rove beetle and it has the typical short wing cases.

Prefers damp (but not wet) habitats, damp logs, matted vegetation, compost and even dung.

Peaking March/April and again in July.

It is a predator of aphids and other small creatures.

Common and widespread throughout Britain

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 345 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.