Beetle i.d please

[Keith Talbot]

Can someone confirm these 2 for me please,according to my book (very basic book) and the habitat (mint) the green one looks like Chrysolina menthastri but the red one looks like Chrysomela populi

Am i right? and if so do they ' mix ' ?

[NickCantle]

Ooooh errrr!

[aeshna5]

A very mixed (up) pairing. The larger green beetle is correct- though it's name has changed from C. menthastri to C. herbacea (I think the old name is more useful as it tells you the food plant). I think the other is Chrysolina polita that shares the same habitat + also feeds on various labiates.

[Keith Talbot]

thanks aeshna,

i think he's a little confused then

who decides to change the name of an insect? and more to the point why?

people cant leave things alone for 5 mins these days