It is predominantly a lowland species, being entirely absent above 600 m elevation, and becoming steadily scarcer from sea level up to 500 m.[1] If disturbed the adult can flick itself high (up to 245 mm)[1] into the air, with a takeoff speed of up to 2.27 m/s, making a loud clicking noise.

[1] The species is found mainly in forests, both broad-leaved (oak and beech) and coniferous (Scots pine).

The beetles are eaten mainly by tits; they are an important prey species for the collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis.

[2] In an agricultural setting, the species is found in cereals, orchards, and potato crops.

The larvae have a mixed diet, preying on the winter moth, Operophtera brumata, and eating the roots of plants, mostly grasses in the family Poaceae.