Good news so far - Oedemera femoralis

[Dillybythesea]

It's almost a week since I posted the picture of the rather poorly-looking blister beetle in our unheated greenhouse - an image which was kindly confirmed as Oedemera femoralis. Here's today's picture - taken when the sun came round and warmed it slightly in there. It's still a long time till Spring, I know, but she was looking so much better I thought it a happier note to end on!

[Jason Green]

That's good.

[Klaas Reißmann]

Keep an eye on her. If she is dying before spring, keep the beetle in a box, filled with toilet paper and make it wet with vinegar. If no one of the british guys wants the beetle to keep in his collection I will like to do.

But I do hope it will survive this winter, find a friend and mate...

Regards
Klaas

[Dillybythesea]

Yes, isn't it Jason!

And yes, certainly Klaas. If she does look as though she's on the way out, I shall do exactly what you say and will be pleased to send her. I think she'd be honoured to end up in your collection!

[Klaas Reißmann]

Hi,

for me it is important to say, that it is a british beetle and there for, if there is anyone of the british collectors interrested, I would always give him the right of way. If the beetle is going into my collection one must see, that it get's more or less lost for the british dates, because my contacts to Britain and its coleopterologists are that bad, that those important dates might get lost for the british knowledge, because no one of Britain will ever check my collection for important founds.

So, if there is someone else asking for the beetle (f.e. Jason) I would give him instantly the right of way.

Not to forget: thank you very much so far for your attention, your attitude and all your will in this!

Regards
Klaas

[Dillybythesea]

Very nicely said Klaas, and naturally I will follow your guidance to the letter, if and when that moment comes.

And today brings a new kind of concern into the equation! She seems to have mites, or growths, or heaven knows what, all over her head. Oh dearrrr. Any thoughts, please?!

[Klaas Reißmann]

I can only see one mite or larva of a mite. I don't exactly know, if they are just climbing on her or if they sit on her, to use her for transportation or to suck some haemolymph of the beetle. But there is nothing to worry about in my mind. Looks more like those kind of mites living in rotten wood and climbing by here and there on other insects.

Regards
Klaas

[Dillybythesea]

Many thanks Klaas! You're very reassuring and I'm grateful! ATB Rhona