Friday 24 May
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Rainbow leaf beetle (Chrysolina cerealis)
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Find out here.Rainbow leaf beetle fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
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Rainbow leaf beetle description
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Coleoptera |
| Family | Chrysomelidae |
| Genus | Chrysolina (1) |
The rainbow leaf beetle is arguably one of the most beautiful beetles in Britain. Its common name refers to the longitudinal bands of green, purple and red on the wing cases or 'elytra' (4). Males are generally smaller and more slender than females (2).
- Size
- Length: 5.5 - 10 mm (2)
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Related species
Rainbow leaf beetle biology
Both larvae and adults feed on wild thyme, and show a preference for the flowers. Larvae have been found during the day on plants growing in crevices, and beneath stones (3). Adults are present from April to September, and eggs are laid during June. It is thought that the larval stage overwinters, as larvae have been found in September and October, but young adults may also overwinter (5).
TopRainbow leaf beetle range
Despite exhaustive searches, there are few known populations of this beetle, although it is difficult to find (3). In the UK, this endangered beetle is currently known only from Caernarvonshire in Wales; since 1980 it has been recorded from Snowdon and Cwm Idwal. Elsewhere the species is found in northern, central and southern Europe (3).
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Species with a similar range
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You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Rainbow leaf beetle habitat
This beetle is found in mountainous grassland areas over 630m above sea level (3). Populations are localised to areas where flushing produces base-rich grassland characterised by an abundance of wild thyme in the sward (5).
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Species found in a similar habitat
Rainbow leaf beetle status
Classified as Endangered in the UK and protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (3).
TopRainbow leaf beetle threats
There is no evidence that this beetle has undergone a decline; it may be that it has always been scarce. The threats facing this species are not clear, but many montane invertebrates are thought to be at risk from climate change (3).
TopRainbow leaf beetle conservation
The rainbow leaf beetle is a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP), and is protected under schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (3). Cwm Idwal and Snowdon are National Nature Reserves, and so receive a degree of protection. The Snowdon population of this beetle is being monitored by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), and the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology is using this beetle as part of an investigation into the effects of climate change on montane invertebrates (3).
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The UK Biodiversity Action Plan for this species is available at UK BAP. |
|
View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. |
Find out more
The UK BAP Species Action Plan for the rainbow leaf beetle is available on-line from:
http://www.ukbap.org.uk
Authentication
Information authenticated by Adrian Fowles of the Countryside Council for Wales:
http://www.ccw.gov.uk
Glossary
- Elytra
- In beetles and earwigs, the hard fore wings. They are held aloft when the insect flies, and are often coloured or patterned.
- Larvae
- Stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
References
- National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (Jan 2003): http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
- Harde, K. W. (2000) A field guide in colour to beetles. Silverdale Books, Leicester.
- UK BAP Species Action Plan (March 2003): http://www.ukbap.org.uk
- Joy, N. H. (1949) British beetles: their homes and habits. Frederick Warne & Co Ltd., London.
- Buse, A. (1993). Life-cycle and behaviour of the British population of Chrysolina cerealis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae): the implications for survival. Entomologist, 112: 105-117.
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Image credit
Rainbow leaf beetle
© Countryside Council for Wales
Countryside Council for Wales
Plas Penrhos
Ffordd Penrhos
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 2LQ
United Kingdom
a.fowles@ccw.gov.uk
http://www.ccw.gov.uk/
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