Dorytomus ictor

3.8 to 4.5 mm.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed.

Mating occurs early in the season when pairs may be found on trunks or nearby fences etc. but they are nocturnal and so possibly under-recorded at this time, during the day they remain among bark or in wood crevices and are inactive.

Adults overwinter, sometimes gregariously, and are active very early in the year, from January although they will often be active during mild winter spells, and they persist into April or May.

See ‘Habitat’ and ‘When to see it’ above.

In the UK it is a very local species of southeast and central England and south Wales with only very few records north of the Wash and none further west than West Sussex.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.