TQ4692 04/07/2024 © Raymond Small
Agrilus cuprescens
Metallic-looking wood-boring beetle belonging to a group known as Jewel Beetles. Close examination is required to determine the species due to its similarity with others. Thank you to Adrian Knowles and Rob Smith at Essex Field Club for the identification. This species likes to bask on bramble leaves in the sun and is a fairly recent arrival to Essex. The adult beetles are copper-coloured and have a narrow tapering end to the abdomen. Morning is their preferred time for feeding, mating, and egg laying. They like to rest on foliage during the evening. Females must feed prior to laying eggs. Temperature affects how long the eggs take to hatch which can be from four to fourteen days.
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