DESCRIPTION: Length up to 7mm.  Another fine member of the Cantharidae family with this smart creature identified by the grey-black appearance to the head and elytra with the latter coated in a mix of short flat hairs and longer erect ones. The outer edge of the elytra is yellow.  The pronotum is orange, square shaped and seen to be sometimes bearing a black mark. The front tibia are red, the hind tibia are red to black. The hind femur are red with a broad black band found near the tip. BEHAVIOUR: Adults are seen on Thistles and Umbellifers and are easily caught by sweeping. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread over most of the UK. HABITAT: Found in meadows, rough flowery areas, hedgerows and woodland clearings. PERIOD: Best seen during late Spring and the summer months.