Alder leaf beetle

[Hopsflower]

Whilst pottering in my garden, I've been coming across dark/metallic blue coloured beetles approximately the size of ladybirds. I've found them mostly on my dwarf plum tree, along with a few holes in the leaves. So I sent some photos off to the RHS to see what they thought, and apparently they are Alder leaf beetles - once extinct in the UK until a few years ago, but now coming back again, and now being found round NW England, and southern Hampshire (that's me!). Not found any records that they are interested in plum trees, but they seem to be having a good go at mine

Here's some photos of the little blighters...!

[veggiechicken]

Thanks for sharing and the warning! Never heard of them before and I hope I don't find any here soon
VC wanders off for a goggle...............

[Jungle Jane]

I haven't heard of them but they look like they'd eat aphids?

[Hopsflower]

I was hoping they would eat aphids as have plenty of those . But apparently not - they're more of the vegetarian type of beetle - apparently they can really nobble alder, hornbeam and hazel trees once they really get going
I'm just hoping they don't nobble my plum tree as have found a fair few holes in the leaves so far, near where I find the beetles.
On the plus side, they are very pretty, and quite slow flying - just in case one wanted to catch them...

[Snoop Puss]

Here's the big, bad question: are they protected?

[Hopsflower]

Here's the big, bad question: are they protected?

An excellent question! The entomologist at the RHS who ID'd them for me sent a list of pesticides I could use if I wanted so I would hope from that that they aren't. He also pointed me in the direction of info on their website about it https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=850
(Mods - hopefully I'm allowed to include that here?!)
I haven't resorted to chemical means yet as have only got a few of them and plenty of bees, but living just outside of where they seem to be spreading from, I can't imagine I'm going to get less of the beasties over time

[Snoop Puss]

Interesting link. Thanks. And good luck!