The rosemary beetle is well established in most of England and Wales (ignore the current stuff on the web, whether by me or Andy Salisbury at RHS - it is well out of date.). I think a few of the northernmost counties of England haven't seen it and there has only been one report from Scotland (Edinburgh).
It is still most abundant in London (and surrounding areas, although surprisingly few in Essex) and Norfolk - as mentioned, the lavender fields are a great attractant.
In London (I'm not too sure about other parts of the country) it is active for most of the year as imago or larva although the larvae, in their later stages, are most obvious March-May.
Do not joke about 'sparing' a 'bit of lavender' - if/when this becomes established in your garden it won't be long before you have
no lavender/rosemary to spare them - and then they start on your sage, thyme &c.... this is a seriously damaging beetle .....
Quote:
Originally Posted by smartie  So immediately I find a piece with a photograph by our very own P Mabbott. The beetle looks rather attractive, I think. They are apparently established in Norwich as well, the RHS tells me, so maybe they will decide to drift over here. I suspect I can spare a bit of my lavender to them if they need it.  the Rosemary Beetle Chrysolina americana
Paul, if you are there, when is the time to look for it? |