For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
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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