Pollen Beetle - Meligethes aeneus

This is a small black beetle with a metallic brassy or blue-green sheen. There are several very similar pollen beetles but Meligethes aeneus is the most common, particularly early in the year.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed.

On most flowers especially yellow ones and particularly common on fields of Oil Seed Rape.

From spring to late autumn.

They are attracted to yellow flowers and indeed most things yellow, including clothing and tennis balls. They occur in large numbers, feeding mainly on pollen but sometimes gnawing on the flower parts. They are an important pollinator though can be a pest of Oil Seed Rape. The larvae feed on the sexual parts of flowers of plants in the Cabbage family, causing the flower to abort.

Very common and often abundant particularly in England and Wales.

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 155 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.