Cryptocephalus on dog daisy

The Travis Bickle of beetle world "You talking to me ? ..You talking to me?"

comments (10)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Caption checks out, the pose of the beetle tells the tale. Posted 5 years ago
1. NattyOne
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Posted 5 years ago

Paul Dirksen

Lion

What a beautiful color Natty, looks like emerald . Posted 5 years ago
1. NattyOne
  
  Lion
  
  Yes glorious thanks Paul - especially in that sunshine. Posted 5 years ago

Pudding4brains

Lion

Hi Natty - yup, love the scene and the caption to go with it! :o)
it is however, not a Gastrophysa but some Cryptocephalus - will need to check what you have in the UK that could fit the bill.
Any thoughts on the size?
Cheers, Arp Posted 5 years ago
1. NattyOne
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Arp, I sort of assumed the dock because I'd first seen them on dock (rumex) but with your guidance, I think it is Cryptocephalus aureoles. It is north of the normal but within range - it's habitat is perfect, size too and food plant,. even have a photo of it on cats ear with rock rose around too. It's in the calcareous grassland as described - Are you happy with this? https://www.ukbeetles.co.uk/cryptocephalus-aureolus, if so can you identify it please?? Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago
2. 1. Pudding4brains
    
    Lion
    
    Hi Natty, sorry for the delay - busy times... I'm reluctant to ID the three "larger" green Cryptocephalus in our area (C. aureolus, sericeus and hypochaerides). I think C. sericeus is only recorded for Ireland on the British Isles, but I can't quite be sure (and it would be good to always keep it open as an option). I would think this to be aureolus, but I really can't say that it is "reliably". I'll see if I can ask someone much more experienced with these.
    Cheers, Arp Posted 5 years ago, modified 5 years ago
  2. 1. NattyOne
      
      Lion
      
      Hi Arp, No problems, it's good of you to help with this. My understanding after looking into this is that C. sericeus is not present in the UK, so that one is out. The ones that I saw included individuals that appeared up to 7-8 mm in length, you can see that looking at this individual against the petal size for the dog daisy (I've uploaded another photo where this is maybe clearer). I read that hypochoerides is smaller than this, is also more "blue-green", is generally rarer and although it is found in similar areas to aureoles and is seen with similar plants that it has a tendency to be restricted to coastal or near coastal areas nearer the edge of its range (north) https://www.ukbeetles.co.uk/cryptocephalus-hypochaeridis - I will though bow to your superior knowledge and skill here. cheers, Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Pudding4brains
        
        Lion
        
        There is no "superior knowledge" here I'm afraid, which is to me all the more reason to be hesitative ;o) If you are confident enough about the size I would suggest to ID these as aureolus for now (which was also my preferred option from appearance anyway). If a true expert gives a different opinion or if sericeus pops up in the UK we can always reconsider :o)
        Cheers, Arp Posted 5 years ago
      2. NattyOne
        
        Lion
        
        Yes, I'm happy with the size Arp. This is the UK beetle map for aureolus https://records.nbnatlas.org/occurrences/search?q=lsid:NBNSYS0000011121#tab_mapView
        & this for hypochoerides https://species.nbnatlas.org/species/NBNSYS0000011130
        
        Additionally the scutellum does look sauarish (quadrate) to me? What do you think??
        Thanks,
        Nat Posted 5 years ago

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By NattyOne

Uploaded Jun 6, 2020. Captured Jun 4, 2020 15:11.

Explore United Kingdom 3,303 1,262 0

Canon EOS 7D Mark II
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ISO1250
60mm

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