Beetle with red bum.

[brianholland]

I get hopelessly lost in the WAB site so may be doing this all incorrectly . Forgive me if that is the case.

I really thought I would spot this beetle in my insect book because of it's red behind but no, so can someone please help?

[Paul mabbott]

This looks very similar to the malachiid Malachius bipustulatus except that the latter is normally distinctly green whereas this is bronze. It may be an unusual colour variant or a related species. I'll check later - unless someone else knows!

[brianholland]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

This looks very similar to the malachiid Malachius bipustulatus except that the latter is normally distinctly green whereas this is bronze. It may be an unusual colour variant or a related species. I'll check later - unless someone else knows!

Paul you are spot on as I have been on the web and was amazed by what I read.

First class response. Appreciated,

Brian.

[Dogghound]

Im more inclined to say Cordylepherus viridis for this one.

[brianholland]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Im more inclined to say Cordylepherus viridis for this one.

Thank you for this helpful piece of additional information and indeed suggestion.

Appreciated.

Brian.

[Matt Smith]

Head looks too wide behind the eyes for Cordylepherus viridis to me.

As for the colour, a number of these irridescent green beetles seem to darken in colour after being exposed to the sun for some time - old specimens of Oedemera nobilis too can be much darker at the end of the season than at the start.

[brianholland]

Originally Posted by Matt Smith

Head looks too wide behind the eyes for Cordylepherus viridis to me.

As for the colour, a number of these irridescent green beetles seem to darken in colour after being exposed to the sun for some time - old specimens of Oedemera nobilis too can be much darker at the end of the season than at the start.

Thanks Matt most enlightening and very helpful
Thank you.

Brian.