Rose-stem Girdler | Hainault Forest

Rose-stem Girdler

Agrilus cuprescens

Metallic wood-boring beetle belonging to a group known as Jewel Beetles. This species likes to bask on bramble leaves in the sun and is a fairly recent arrival to Essex. The copper-coloured adults have a narrow tapering end to the abdomen. Morning is their preferred time for feeding, mating, and egg laying. They like to rest on foliage during the evening. Females must feed prior to laying eggs. Temperature affects how long their eggs take to hatch which can be from four to fourteen days. Close examination is required due to its similarity with other species. Thank you to Adrian Knowles and Rob Smith at Essex Field Club for the identification.

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