A medium-large predatory species which is well-named, as the adults possess rather pointed black ‘shoulders’ or lateral ends of the pronotum. Otherwise it is a rather uniform sandy brown or dull brown species with orange-red legs and antennae. Early instar nymphs are a blood-red colour, whilst later instar nymphs being dull bronze colour.
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and locally common but fewer records exist for the west and northwest.
Habitat: Various sites may be used but most frequently found in boglands, heath, coastal dunes and unimproved grassland.
Habits: A predatory species which feeds primarily on moth and beetle larva. Both adults and nymphs can be found in low-growing vegetation, especially heathers but also in various grasses and herbaceous vegetation. It overwinters as an egg or occasionally as an early-instar nymph low down among heathers or tussocks, with adults appearing in July and persisting until November. Sweeping or beating of heathers and dry calcareous or ericaceous grassland are useful methods of finding this species.
