DESCRIPTION: Up to 8mm in length. One of the smaller Soldier Beetles, this time with black, shiny head, an orange thorax with a dark vase-like mark and orange elytra. The elytra has a covering of pale, semi-erect hairs. The legs are mainly orange with contrasting black thighs. The antennae are proportionally long, black with basal segments lighter. BEHAVIOUR: An insect that can usually be found on various Umbellifers as well as the early flowers of Crataegus. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread throughout Britain. HABITAT: Dry grasslands and meadows, hedgerows and woodland edges. PERIOD: May to July.