Swollen-Thighed Beetle

The Thick-legged Flower Beetle is a slim, shiny green beetle that grows to about 8-10mm long. Male beetles are easy to recognise because of their noticeably thickened back legs, which is how the beetle got its common name. Female beetles don’t have these thick legs and their bodies are more evenly shaped on the sides. Both males and females have shiny green or bronze wing covers that narrow towards the back but don’t completely cover the end of the abdomen. This beetle is common in England and Wales from May to August but is less common in Scotland. It prefers places with lots of flowers such as grasslands, hedgerows, meadows, and the edges of woods. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar. They are especially drawn to yellow flowers like buttercups, dandelions, and bird’s-foot trefoil. The thickened legs of the males don’t help them jump. Instead, they are believed to be used during fights with other males and in courtship displays to attract females.