ID : Bolberry Down Beetle Species.

[Andrew C]

Good morning,

Whilst looking for Oil Beetles at Bolberry Down on the deep South Devon coast I came across two or three of these dimpled shiny blue beetles which were quite small. I would say about four millimetres in length.

I can't seem to find anything close enough to this in my books so I would like to ask if anyone can advise on this please?

Regards,
Andrew.

[Matt Smith]

Some sort of Chrysomelid I would think, but thats as far as I can go with this one.

[Klaas Reißmann]

Hi,

this is Oulema gallaeciana.

Regards
Klaas

[Geoff F]

The area where I have previously found Oil Beetles, Andrew, is in that little valley behind Soar Mill Cove. In damp grass close to the stream. I did have a look around that area a week ago but found very little of any interest.

I was intending to have another look this week; and I haven't checked Jacob's Lane for early hoverflies yet.

[Andrew C]

Thanks everyone, especially Klaas for the identification. It is greatly appreciated to be able to have an identification.

Geoff, I actually came across two Oil Beetles at Bolberry I mistakenly took as M. voilaceus but have since correctly re-identified them as M. proscarabeus. I hope to return to the South Hams soon if my petrol allowance agrees!