Species information
How to identify
Medium-sized black beetle with red margins along the outer edge of each wing case. 7-11m in length. Wing cases are black and coarsely punctured. The very front edge of the pronotum (between the eyes) is straight or slightly convex, compared with the very similar and equally rare Chrysolina sanguinolenta (whose pronotum is concave).
Lifecycle
Lifespan: approximately 1 year. Adult leaf beetles lay eggs from March to June. Larvae are generally evident from about mid-March to June.
Distribution
Plantain leaf beetles are only found in Scotland. They are found on Orkney with a population also on Shetland.
Habitat and feeding
Habitat: Cliff-top grasslands, saltmarshes
Feeding: They feed on species of plantain, toadflax (Linaria species), ivy-leaved toadflax and snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
When to see
Adults have been recorded in most months of the year from January to September.
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN Red List) Nationally Rare within Great Britain
Threats
Loss of habitat and over-grazing.
What Species on the Edge is doing
-
Raising awareness of the species
- Survey and monitoring in an effort to find more populations and to learn more about the species
Resources
If you are interested in learning more about our work for the plantain leaf beetle and how you can get involved, get in touch with your local Species on the Edge team.
Gallery
