DESCRIPTION:  Up to 6mm in length.  A smart beetle with a brownish head and pronotum and a shiny, metallic green elytra with a bright red spot towards the rear end of each wing case. The anterior edge of the transverse pronotum are edged in red. The front of the head between the eyes curves back.  BEHAVIOUR: The predatory adult is found with vegetation but later in the season can be found on trees where eggs are laid in the crevices of bark. The larvae usually live under bark, in old wood or on the ground in grass roots, hunting small insects, larvae and slugs. DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout Southern Britain with only scattered records further north. HABITAT: Meadows, hedgerows, flowery verges and trees. PERIOD:  April to August.