Adults of Megapenthes lugens grow to a length of 7–10 millimetres (0.28–0.39 in),[1] with a broad pronotum (the dorsal sclerites of the anterior segment of the thorax).

Megapenthes lugens, whilst in larval form, is associated with hollow, decaying trunks of beech and elm trees.

Pupation occurs in the autumn, and the resulting imago overwinters within the pupal case, emerging in the spring.

That article exhorted bodies such as Natural England to form just such a competition, stating that the venture would raise awareness of, and potentially aid in the conservation of, Britain's least-known fauna.

[8] The results were announced on 16 July 2010, with the competition's judges declaring that the "new identity for Megapenthes lugens reflects location, character and appearance".