Best time to see: Apr to end Jul

Key facts

Metallic-green beetles often seen on flowers feeding on nectar and pollen

Only the male of the swollen-thighed beetle has the thickened hind legs that give it its name

Common in western Europe and throughout southern England

Recognition

Swollen-thighed is vivid metallic green all over (8–11mm; lurida is duller and smaller (5–8mm)

The wing cases are slender and open at the centre, revealing the wings underneath

Lifecycle

Young develop in the hollow stems of dead plants, where they feed on the pith

Adults fly well and can be found on the flower heads of a range of plants, including daisies, hogweed and bramble