Chrysomelidae Longitarsus dorsalis

[JRsbugs]

Hi!

I guess this is correct? Found inside climbing up the door frame, it's lucky it was seen as it was where the door shuts! ~2.5mm. 22nd December.

Janet

[Klaas Reißmann]

Hi Janet,

yes, you're right. You can't confound this one and on warm winterdays this species is very activ, especially on its hostplants.

Regards
Klaas

[JRsbugs]

Hi Klaas, thanks for confirming.

This appears to be a scarce species here, although there's a lot of records further south and it's said to reach to the Humber there's only one record there, an old record in Yorkshire, with the rest being 'below The Wash'. It's listed as Notable B in some places, red listed in others. I have found many insects which are only below The Wash, there's a lack of recorders here!

http://www.thewcg.org.uk/chrysomelidae/0515G.htm

Select a species in the Essex Red Data List

I had a few plants of Ragwort in my garden this year! I know they use other plants but they are probably fussy.

[Klaas Reißmann]

Hi Janet,

it sounds similar in Germany. The species is missing in most areas in Germany, in two it seems to be extinct since 19th century and the mid of 20th century. But I can find it here in my area and there is no problem to find it in bigger numbers. In other areas it is found but only rarely. So far you're having "little Germany" or I'm having "little Britain".

And Senecio is the plant I find it on in winter. Have a look at the groundleafs of senecio. They sit on the leafs, but they jump away real fast if there is anything disturbing.

Regards
Klaas

[JRsbugs]

I have a nice big leafy plant of Ragwort, which grew this year but hasn't flowered, near my side door Klaas, although the beetle wasn't found at that door. I will have to check it out!

Yes, it appears to be a similar pattern across the water in similar latitudes.

[Klaas Reißmann]

I will keep my fingers crossed for you.