DESCRIPTION: Up to 8mm. A lime-green Tortoise Beetle with a metallic sheen and distinctive black markings on the elytra. The pronotum is smoothly-rounded anteriorly and is densely punctured. The basal margin of the pronotum can be narrowly darkened. The antennae are pale towards the base but otherwise darkened. BEHAVIOUR: Oviposition occurs in late spring and early summer with eggs laid singly or in small batches on the underside of host leaves. These are sometimes disguised with frass. Larvae emerge a week or so later and begin feeding on the upper surface of leaves. The larvae can also disguise themselves with frass. Maturity is reach after approximately 5 weeks. Pupation occurs on the surface of foliage. Anew generation appears from late July onwards. Adults are usually found on It is often found on Thistles and Yarrow. DISTRIBUTION: Primarily a southern species in Britain but slowly spreading northwards with the odd record as far north as Greater Manchester. HABITAT: Found in a variety of habitats including fens and marshes, woodland margins and clearings, grassy areas, parkland, heaths, commons, gardens and coastal dunes. PERIOD: Can be seen all year round but best looked for during May to September. |
