Prionychus ater

Length 12 to 14 mm. Dull appearance, head and pronotum densely and coarsely punctured.

Prionychus melanarius is 10 to 12mm long with a shiny appearance with head & pronotum sparsely punctured.

Good quality photographs and size of specimen required. 

Nocturnally active saproxylic beetle occurring on a range of broad-leaved trees.

Larvae develop in decaying wood or in the soil where they feed upon organic matter and roots. Both adults and larvae of many species have been found in accumulated wood and debris, especially where wood mould is present, in hollow trunks of standing and fallen timber.

Widespread though local throughout the southern half of Britain.

Appears to be increasing if frequency in our area, often attracted to light.