Philonthus carbonarius

7-8mm. Black but with a green metallic sheen on the elytra. The legs and palps are dark brown.

This looks like a smaller version of P. cognatus but lacks the bicolour (brown+yellow)of the first antennal segment.

• 7-8mm
• black with shining metallic green elytra
• first antennal segment entirely black
• pronotum with a dorsal series of four punctures
• line at base of abdominal tergites relatively straight

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is 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 identifying characters.

Commonly found in open woodland and heath-grassland.

Often found with Philonthus cognatus.

Widespread and fairly frequent over much of Britain.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.