Bembidion lunulatum

Small (3.5-4mm) black ground beetle, usually with pale sub-apical elytral spots though these can be faint or obscure. It has a well-rounded pronotum which contracts sharply at its base, giving the beetle a distinct 'waist'. It has dark brown legs and a dark base to its antennae. It has 6 punctuated striae plus a short scutellary stria.

Bembidion biguttatum is similar in size and also has pale sub-apical spots, but it has a rounded pronotum which is strongly sinuate at the base. It also has a pale basal antennal segment - which is dark brown in B. lunulatum.

• ~4mm
• pale sub-apical spots (may be faint or obscure)
• dark base to the antennae
• 6 punctuated striae

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is generally required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and key identifying characters.

Usually found near freshwater on mud and among vegetation.

Mainly seen in spring and summer

It is found across southern England but becomes increasingly localised further north.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 357 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.