Melanotus castanipes

Length 13 to 19 mm It is unicolourous black, or with slightly browner head and is very elongated with tapering elytra. Longitudinal rows of pits are obvious, as are densely scattered pits on the pronotum. The legs and antennae are black and the antennae are long, extending a way beyond the posterior margin of the pronotum, slightly shorter in the female.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Best looked for where pine logs and stumps are present.

Spring and summer.

The status has been revised since 2004, splitting this species from M. villosus, so precise status is unclear, but it would seem that M. castanipes is much the commoner of the two species.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland unclear at present, but seems to be only occasionally recorded.