Green dock beetle
Gastrophysa viridula
50.8333, 4.66667
Field Notes
Description:
The males are 4 mm and the females are 7 mm. During the mating season, females have enlarged abdomens. Both sexes are green with a metallic shimmer, which, depending on the light, can be gold green, blue, purple, violet, or red. The legs of this species also shimmer a metallic green, and are strongly built. The antennae are serrated and are medium in length.
Habitat:
Found in Central Europe.
They are found in heathlands, forests, meadows, and gardens with the presence of plant dock (Rumex), the beetles' food plant.
The green dock beetle feeds mainly on dock and green sorrel, rarely feeding on other plants in the families Polygonaceae, Brassicaceae, Violaceae, and Boraginaceae. The larvae can only completely develop on Rumex species.
Reference Links:
Gastrophysa viridula
Species ID Suggestions
1
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedJune 5, 2011
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