[2] It has a flattened body up to 15 millimetres (1 in) long, with a prominent yellow-orange stripe behind the black prothorax.

[3] Plague soldier beetles are most common in spring and early summer, and have an adult lifespan of 2-3 months.

[6] The beetles often swarm in large, localised groups around flora such as shrubs and trees, primarily to mate and eat.

[8] As adults, plague soldier beetles are thought to feed on pollen and nectar.

[5] While in their larval stage, plague soldier beetles live in soil and are thought to feed on smaller, soft-shelled invertebrates.