Notiophilus biguttatus

The Notiophilus beetles are very distinctive with prominent eyes. There are eight species in Britain, all very similar but often in different habitats. N. biguttatus usually has pale apical spots or patches on the apical ends of the elytra, though these can be faint.

• Second elytral interval wider than the width of the 3rd, 4th and 5th combined. 
• A single deep puncture on the 4th elytral interval.
• Five or six coarse ridges on the head.

Found in almost any habitat but mainly in open woodlands.

From April onwards it can be seen on pathways in sunshine, later in the year it may be observed in leaf litter.

They are diurnal and strictly carnivorous, preying upon springtails and mites amongst the leaf litter. Breeds mostly in the spring but larvae have been observed at the end of summer suggesting a partial second generation.

Common and widespread throughout Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 315 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.