Swollen-thighed Beetle

Swollen-thighed Beetle - Oedemera nobilis

Description

Length 8 to 10mm. The green elytra (wing covers) are pointed and gape apart. The male and female of this beetle can easily be told apart, as the male has large green bulges on its femora or thighs, while the female does not.

Similar Species

The male is unmistakeable but the female could be confused with other Oedemera species, however its size, gaping wing cases and irredescence distinguish it.

Identification difficulty

male

female

Habitat

Flower meadows, gardens and waste ground where they visit flowers.

When to see it

April to September.

Life History

This beetle is a pollen feeder.

UK Status

Widespread from southern England northwards to the Wash and north Wales, but less common further north than that.

VC55 Status

Extremely common.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured squares = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records