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Post by teasel on Jul 22, 2015 10:02:40 GMT
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Post by lizb on Jul 22, 2015 10:44:54 GMT
Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
Loads of these about at the moment.
The first time I got these identified I was given the common name "(Hogweed Bonking Beetle" so that's what I always think of them as!
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Post by htcdude on Jul 22, 2015 11:41:15 GMT
Yep Bonking Beetle is what I've known them as too Nige
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Post by teasel on Jul 22, 2015 11:46:01 GMT
Thanks Bonking beetle it will be Do they only occur on hogweed? There is supposed to be a lot where I took the photo but I don't know enough to identify it unless it's about 6 foot tall
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Post by htcdude on Jul 22, 2015 11:49:55 GMT
I think they feed on grasses, aphids and various pollen sources, but are usually mating on Hogweed Nige
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Post by teasel on Jul 22, 2015 11:58:13 GMT
Thanks! I'll look more closely at the plant next time I pass
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Post by lizb on Jul 22, 2015 12:23:37 GMT
I've seen them on other things too. Saw hundreds in Cornwall at weekend. Hundreds on single bush! I remember making comment that at that rate they would be taking over the world!
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