Unknown Beetle - id please

[rubecula]

Hi,
Can anyone identify this handsome chap for me? It was seen last year at Noar Hill in Hampshire in July.



Thanks,
rubecula

[MrKeeper]

This almost looks like type of flea beatle (such as Altica sp) Though, I don't believe I've ever seen one that's both gold and blue, though they can be both blue, and gold.

Here's an example

Wait, I'll figure out how to post images later, I'm not even 100% on this ID, more 50% or so.

[JonSadler]

It looks like Sermylassa halensis. It feeds on Galium (I think).

Regards
Jon

[oxycera]

Agree with above.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by JonSadler

It looks like Sermylassa halensis. It feeds on Galium (I think).

Regards
Jon

There is a good matching photo of this smart beastie in the recent Atlas of Seed + Leaf Beetles of UK + reinforces what you say about Galium being the main food plant, but has been recorded on Calamintha too. Useful book!

[rubecula]

Thanks Jon for the id. Interesting that my specimen is definitely blue, whereas the only pictures I can find on the web are a greenish colour.
Regards,
Robin

[oxycera]

Yes, its a good book - I got it for Xmas. Be great if some other families could be detailed in the same way.

[JonSadler]

Yes colour on Chysomelids can be different - have a look at Altica lythri. But it doesn't mean I got it right - I just fired out the name that came into my head when I saw your image. I am pretty confident but I have made bad calls on images before....

Regards

Jon

[Dogghound]

It is Sermylassa halensis, due to the highly reflective colour of the elytra it these shiny beetles can look different colours in different lights, times of day and even depending on surrounding colours.