Chequer beetle

Entomologists often make useful records of saproxylic insects by collecting fallen branches and placing them in sealed containers until insects start hatching out. In the autumn our house usually has several vats of dead wood maturing. Over the last few days several specimens of this very smart chequer beetle Tillus elongatus have emerged. This species is considered to be nationally scarce, is usually associated with ancient woodland and preys on other wood-boring beetles. As we are back to the dull, grey, cold weather I thought this might make an interesting and slightly different blip.