Tarpela/rainbow beetles?

[chrissie the chippy]

I think I have them on my lottie, and there are loads!!

I'll have to take a photo to make sure it is them....

Are they the kind of beetle I want on my patch?


Are they protected at all? I don't want to go and disturb them too much. I've never seen them before. I'm pretty sure they aren't rain beetles....

[Alice]

Googled for rainbow beetles Chrissie and they are just gorgeous. Some fab pics there. Do let us see yours. On a quick look couldn't find whether friend of foe - look like friend to me. Must keep my eyes open and see if I have any.

[chrissie the chippy]

It definately looks like them. There are loads of them! I moved a crate and there were at least 20 hiding under there!

I've seen some really big ones too, and they are really pretty, for a bug

Would be nice to think they will help the allotment, but I'd imagine there wont be as many once I've dug it all over. I might leave a space for all of the bugs

[rustylady]

I've done a google search, and apparently rainbow beetles are an endangered species, found only in Wales, and inhabit/live on wild thyme. Picture attached I hope. Where do you live Chrissie?

[chrissie the chippy]

no, that wasn't it

I'll find a picture on google and post it, forgot to take the camera again.

There were a lot of rainbeetles about today

[chrissie the chippy]

I can't find a picture. It was black and had a pink, purple sheen to it and the 'shell' was smooth with no ridges

[mclarenpitcrew]

The beetle in the picture is a pest.
1/4 of our site is lavender field and this little chap would love to have the chance to decimate it.