A four-spotted ground beetle: Philorhizus quadrisignatus

Description Small, brown, with a distinctive four-spotted pattern on the wing cases, as reflected in its Latin name. Habitat Philorhizus quadrisignatus is found very locally in broad-leafed and pasture woodland. It occurs either on trees, under bark, or among dead twigs, branches and litter on slightly damp ground. Ecology A predatory beetle that lives among dead branches and twigs and also under bark. Status The species is considered to have experienced a 63% decline over 40 years. The detailed picture is even worse with single records in 1978, 1986 and 1987 and no recordings since. Despite this there is optimism that the species still survives in British woodlands and parklands but targeted survey work is required to establish its current status. Wider countryside measures to conserve functional broadleaved woodlands and pasture woodlands should benefit this species. Distribution Sherwood forest and Bushey park, London have records from the late 1970s to mid 1980s. • Name the other species by clicking on the links on the right-hand side or the previous and next buttons at the top of the page