It is found in the Mediterranean, in Central Europe, west to the Atlantic Ocean and north to the edge of Scandinavia and in England.

It inhabits meadows, floodplains, forest edges, and dry slopes, but also parks and gardens.

In Britain, this species is fairly rare compared to the common glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca).

The beetles have a body length of 6–8 millimetres (0.24–0.31 in) (males) 10 mm (0.39 in) (females).

The males have greatly shortened wing covers and unlike other fireflies are similar to the female.