Plagiodera versicolora

2.5-4.5mm. A very rounded leaf-beetle. Upperside is metallic green or blue, though occasionally purple. The underside, femora and tibiae are black, as are the tips of the antennae. The elytral punctures are generally in a confused pattern but with some hint of rows. There are usually small dimples in the elytra near the tips.

Plagiodera versicolor has the following features:

• 2.5-4.5mm
• Upperside all metallic (green, blue or purple)
• Underside and legs largely black
• Confused punctures on the elytra
• Antennal segments 1-6 mainly yellow
• Usually with shallow dimples in the elytra near the tips

Mostly in places where Willows grow.

Three generations from spring to late August.

The hibernating adults begin to emerge in the spring when foliage appears. These adults feed on the new leaves; cutting holes in them, before laying the eggs that become the second generation. It is the third generation that usually hibernate, although a few may breed to start a late fourth generation.

More common in the southern half of England than the rest of Britain.

Fairly frequnt in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 34 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.