Species of the Month July 2020

Swollen-thighed Beetle Oedemera nobilis

 

This iridescent green beetle is a common summer sight in Wales. The males are easy to identify thanks to the swollen hind legs. Females can be confused with other Oedemera species, but the iridecence and the gap between the wing cases are useful indicators to confirm species. These pollen feeders can be seen on large open flowers such as Ox-eye Daisy and Cow Parsley on warm sunny days.

Swollen-thighed Beetle is widespread throughout Wales, but we only have 621 records in the SEWBReC database (view the Wales wide distribution on Aderyn).

You can find more information and photos of the species from NatureSpot and Buglife.

If you spot Swollen-Thighed Beetle during July (or at any other time of year), please send us the record, ideally via SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here.