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flower Rosemary Leaf Beetles

Identify It >   Beetles >   Rosemary Leaf Beetles >





Scientific name:  Chrysolina americana

Size:  Approx 8mm long

Distribution:  Found in parts of Scotland, Wales and England (especially in the southern counties)

Months seen:  May to October

Habitat:  Gardens, allotments and parks

Food:  Rosemary, thyme and other herbs

Special features:  Rosemary leaf beetles have a metallic green body with red and blue stripes running the length of the body.  In the sunlight these stripes reflect all the colours of the rainbow - rather like oil on water.

Despite the scientific name, this beetle is a native of southern Europe.  It was first noticed in the U.K. in the early 1990's and has since become well established.

The larvae are a creamy-white colour, with grey lines along their length.

Sightings

2010 - Kingston upon Thames, Surrey - Anna Jordan
2012 - Warwick - Gayle Kirton
2013 - Bristol - Steven Edgar

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