The Tansy Beetle

The Tansy beetle is a spectacular large green leaf beetle with a distinctive coppery sheen. The Tansy beetle is one of the UK's most stunning insects.

Rarity : The Endangered Tansy Beetle is restricted to a 45km stretch of riverbank centred on York as well as two small areas in the Cambridge/Norfolk fens.

Causes of decline : The Tansy beetle is dependent on Tansy plants along the River Ouse and other foodplants in the Fens, which are becoming more scattered due to change of land use and competition with invasive plants , especially Himalayan Balsam. Beetle declines are also caused by Summer flooding...The Species Recovery Trust

History : Myth has it that the iridescent green wing cases of these beautiful beetles were so admired by Victorians that they were used as sequins.

Species :  The Tansy beetle ,Chrysolina graminis , mainly eats Tansy plants Tanacetum vulgare