This species can be found in most of Europe, in the Middle East and Caucasus.

In 2008, it was reported in large numbers in London by the Natural History Museum, London, England, but the species was later identified as a related species, Arocatus longiceps, that has a more elongated head and generally a reddish body.

These bugs preferably live under the bark of Alder or Sycamore.

The upperside of these bugs is red and black, while the abdomen is orange.

[3] They feed on the seeds of Plane trees (genus Platanus), on alders (Alnus glutinosa, Alnus incana) and in other deciduous trees.