Best time to see: May to Jul

Key facts

A bright red beetle usually found on the edges of woods, where its young live

Common throughout England

A similar but less common species with a black head occurs in Wales

Recognition

Bright red head and wing-cases; black legs and black comb-like antennae; up to 18mm long

Larvae are creamy-brown

Lifecycle

Larvae live under the loose bark of trees, feeding on the young of other insects that feed on decaying wood

Adults pick flying insects from flower heads and leaves