Rosemary leaf beetle, Chrysolina americana
Rosemary leaf beetle, Chrysolina Americana (submitted by NaturePlus user AnthonyTor)
Chrysolina americana is a relatively recent introduction to the UK, first recorded here in 1994. Despite the name, it actually originates from the Mediterranean.
This striking species has a metallic green body with red and blue stripes down its back, and is typically around 8mm long.
Adults can be seen from May to October especially in southern England, where it has become an established species.
Females lay eggs in the spring and autumn on the leaves of host plants such as rosemary, lavender and thyme. Both the adults and larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of these plants.
