DESCRIPTION: Length up to 8.5mm.  One of the orange soldier beetles best recognised by overall red-orange colour, the black tips of the hind femurs and the dark tips of the palps. The elytra only have long erect hairs. BEHAVIOUR: The adults are happy to feed on umbellifers and thistles and they are also carnivorous. The larvae feed on invertebrates in the leaf-litter and loose soil. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread over most of the UK. HABITAT: Found in meadows, rough flowery areas,  hedgerows and woodland clearings. PERIOD: Best seen during May to August.