x3 images. Double click to enlarge.
This is the Rosemary Beetle (Chrysolina americana) which I found on my Lavender. It looks like it has been crafted from soft metals and has been purposefully engraved with rows of tiny circular indents.
As beautiful as it may look, it is considered a pest of Rosemary, Lavender, Sage, Thyme and similar plants, both the adult and the larva feeding on the foliage … although it hasn’t caused me any bother.
The beetle is a native of southern Europe that has become established in Britain since the 1990s especially in the south east of England. It is continuing to extend its range.
Nature Journeys 
So beautiful. 💖
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Thank you 🙂
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Almost looks like a broach. Very pretty !
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Amazing!
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Thank you 🙂
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What an elegant looking beetle. Your photos are wonderful, Pete!
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Many thanks, Belinda 🙂
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Spectacular design, securely captured.
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Thank you, Hans 🙂
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It looks like the metalwork we used to do at camp. It really is a gorgeous creature; I agree that it would make a fine piece of jewelry.
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Its metallic armor is stunning!
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It really does look like it’s made of copper or some other metal. Amazing example of the complexity and variety found in nature!
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It make you wonder how and why they developed such colours and tiny details we see in them.
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A lovely beetle indeed and a lovely series of images, Pete. It looks like polished leather.
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Thank you, Steve 🙂 I am always fascinated as to how nature and its critters evolve in the ways they do.
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What a beautiful little bug Peter!!
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Thank you, Lisa 🙂 It’s only my second sighting, but always happy to see it 🙂
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You take what is widely regarded as a pest, ‘polish it up’ beautifully, and everyone loves it. These are fantastic shots that show off the beautiful details of this beetle – could be used for ‘save this beetle’ posters!
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Lol! 🙂 Many thanks, Anne 🙂 I tree to see and capture the good and the facinating in subjects where I can.
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Gorgeous. ♥️
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Thank you 🙂
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Very beautiful!
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Thank you, Anki 🙂
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I have a lot of lavender and several patches of rosemary but don’t recall seeing this beetle, and it isn’t among my photo records either.
I should be grateful, then!
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They only cause harm to plants in large numbers … you watch I will have a swarm next year!
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Excellent detail, Pete! Wow on those colors and the pattern.
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Thank you, Ellen 🙂 It is one that certainly stands out from the res.
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Wow, copper and leather and chestnut and gold–it’s all there. Did you use the Raynox for these?
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Yes, quite a small beetle so used Raynox to get closer 🙂
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Like the Japanese beetle, pretty, but voracious pests. Great macros, Pete!
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Many thanks, Eliza 🙂
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Very handsome, but based on his diet, I’m pleased that he doesn’t appear to have made it to NZ ..
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They can be a pest, but thankfully my lavender and rosemary have not suffered any harm 🙂
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