Forget the fab four, think the fab 12. For the next 12 weeks, it’s quiz time again and this time, I will be testing your knowledge of British beetles. Many beetles have metallic or iridescent coloured elytra and thorax, making them - the real shining stars of the show. Beetles can live in a wide range of habitats. Some can fly and others cannot. Some have long antennae, and others long legs. Some have even mastered the art of disguise! Prepared to be be(et)dazzled and if you’re feeling lucky, perhaps you can even guess the bonus quiz question!Magical mystery beetle quiz #4Clue: May damage even a spear!Bonus quiz: Ooh! Lion theft hell.
Ah well that's blown it - I won't get any of the rest :) Takes bow and retires to rest on her laurels. Thanks guys
C in J
Cin J
Crack the bottle open and light the cigar Germain,looks like you have got this one.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Congratulations to all of you who guessed Asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi). First a bit about the clues. First clue: May damage even a spear. The Asparagus beetle is considered a serious pest for asparagus during the summer months. Asparagus spears are a delicacy. Second clue: A spur saga. This is simply an anagram of the word ‘asparagus’.
Asparagus beetles are a type of leaf beetle. Like other members of this group they are brightly coloured and have smooth and shiny bodies. They have five segmented tarsi (feet), the fourth of which is very small. Asparagus beetles have three yellow spots of each of their elytron and this is bordered in orange. Their thorax is also an orangey red colour. Growing up to 8mm in length, these beetles can often be found overwintering under piles of garden debris or under tree bark. During the summer months, look to Asparagus plants.
A picture of an Asparagus beetle can be found here.
Did you know: Asparagus beetles are dormant in winter.
Bonus quiz answer: The Fool on the Hill. 1967, Magical Mystery Tour.
Keep an eye out for next week’s mystery beetle quiz here soon!
Take care,
Claire
Official confirmation of your brilliance CinJ ... 'Like Mother, like Daughter - graduated with honours!! Lol
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Well done Germain,looking at the photo it is certainly a good looker as are many of our native beetles.I suppose we miss a lot of them as we spend a lot of time looking skyward for the birds.