Rainbow leaf beetle  (Chrysolina cerealis)

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).

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).