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Beetles are the largest group in the Animal Kingdom, representing about a fourth of all animals. Currently, more than 350,000 beetle species have been identified. Yet scientists who study beetles (coleopterists) are certain there are thousands more that have not been discovered yet!

Alder Leaf Beetle - Agelastica alni

The only info I can find about these beetles is that they are extinct !!! & this on Wikipedia - Previously rare, it now appears to be on the increase in the Northwest. The beetle and the beetle's larvae host on the grey or speckled alder (Alnus incana) and to a lesser extent black alder (Alnus glutinosa), but will be found on hazel, birch and/or hornbeam if there is a shortage of food. Causing large holes and gaps from the end of April onwards, which are produced by the larvae in the first two stages, but the main damage is only produced by larvae in the third stage.

 

 

Cryptocephalus aureolus - no English name

Length 6 to 8 mm. One of several similar species of metallic green beetles which have a short, cylindrical robust body and head hidden under the front edge of pronotum.

Green Dock Beetle - Gastrophysa viridula

Length 4 to 6 mm. A small green-golden beetle the elytra often seem to have a sheen. 
Usually found on Dock plants, it can be seen anywhere that Dock is present, such as roadside verges and field margins. It is often seen near to water.

Hawthorn Leaf Beetle - Lochmaea crataegi

This leaf beetle has characteristic black markings on a red background. It is seen along hedgerows and woodland where it feeds on Hawthorn leaves.

Thistle Tortoise Beetle - Cassida rubiginosa

The elytra are matt green and it often sits with the edges flush to the leaf, leaving no shadow. The specific name rubiginosa refers to the beetle's ability to produce a red liquid from the head. - This species has the most interesting larvae and pupae. The larvae have twin tail-spikes and these are sometimes used to carry dead skins and droppings in a kind of parasol. The spikes are retained by the pupa and these are flicked forward if it is disturbed.

Viburnum Beetle - Pyrrhalta viburni

A small golden brown beetle (about 5 mm long), nearly always associated with plants of the Viburnum family. - The beetle's creamy white larvae cause damage to the leaves in early summer, before pupating in the ground. The adults also feed on the leaves before laying their eggs on the tips of young shoots.

Pollen Beetle - Meligethes aeneus

Pollen beetles are about 2-3mm long and are black or greenish bronze with small clubbed antennae. They crawl around in flowers as they feed on the pollen.

Willow Flea Beetle - Crepidodera aurata

The Willow Flea Beetle Crepidodera aurata reach body lengths of 2.5-3.5 mm. Its elongated and oval shaped body has a metallic sheen. The entire upper surface area of the females is greenish-gold in colour; that of the males is greenish-blue, blue or purple. Longitudinal rows of dots are visible on the forewings (elytres). The brown legs to the ankle are much thicker in the upper section of the rear pair, with which the willow flea can jump very far (up to hundred times its own body length).

Cereal Leaf Beetle - Oulema rufocyanea

Length is about 6 mm. The elytra have a green iridescent sheen and are studded by tiny holes. The 'head' is red. The two species Oulema rufocyanea and Oulema melanopus are almost impossible to separate without detailed examination.

Where a photograph is surrounded by a red box it means the subject is likely to be this species but has not been definitively identified as such.

Celery Leaf Beetle - Phaedon tumidulus

3 to 4mm. Black, usually with a strong green or brassy metallic lustre.

Woodland, parkland, wasteland and domestic gardens where umbellifers are present.

Mustard Beetle

Mustard Beetle

Photo by Norman Pimlott

Mustard Beetle - Phaedon cochleariae

3 to 4 mm. Elongate oval and metallic blue in colour, sometimes with purple overtones. Found around most wetland areas, but also in other habitats as they feed on a variety of plants, generally brassicas, garlic mustard etc., in open woodland, parks, wasteland and gardens.

Sphaeroderma Testaceum

There are two very similar species of Sphaeroderma in Britain and both feed on Thistles. This is likely to be S. testaceum. It is a small (3.5 to 4 mm) broad oval species with light brown shiny elytra.

Found wherever the foodplants, various species of Thistle and occasionally Common Knapweed are abundant, including roadsides, wasteland, woodland etc.

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