RESIDENTS across Worcestershire are being encouraged to get in touch with a local wildlife charity if they see a large green beetle in their gardens or local green spaces.
Rose chafer beetles are moving northwards from their strongholds in the south of England and staff at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust are keen to chart the species arrival in the county.
The metallic-green beetles grow to about an inch in length and have cream markings on their wing cases.
They are often found on flowers, where the adults feed on nectar.
Rose chafer larvae spend up to three years eating rotting vegetation, often in compost heaps and leaf litter.
This makes the adults likely to turn up in gardens and local green spaces in villages and towns.
Wendy Carter, co-ordinator of the Wildlife Sightings citizen science project, said: “Rose chafers are beautiful iridescent beetles that dazzle as they feed amongst flowers in gardens and green spaces.
“Until now, rose chafers have been unable to survive our winters in the Midlands but as our climate warms, individuals have been moving north and it seems they’re now able to establish themselves year-round here.
“We know of a small population in Pershore and have recently heard of beetles in Worcester and Great Witley so we’re keen to find out where else they might be found in Worcestershire.
“They’re often spotted with their heads buried deep into roses, brambles and other flowers.
“Their bodies are covered in fine hairs that gather pollen as they move from flower to flower.
“We’d encourage anyone who thinks they’ve spotted one to take a photo and upload it via a short form on our website so that we can track where they are.”
Visit: worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings to report sightings of rose chafers.
