| |
1.1 The rainbow leaf beetle is a species of montane
grassland. The larvae and adults feed on wild thyme, preferring
flowers to leaves. During the day, larvae have been found on plants
growing in deep, narrow crevices between large boulders, and under
stones lying on the grassland surface. Adults are found between
April and September, and oviposition occurs during June. In
captivity, eggs were mainly laid towards the tip of, and in parallel
with, grass blades. On Snowdon, larvae have been found in September
and October, also suggesting that this is the main overwintering
life stage. However, the presence of fecund adults in April,
suggests overwintering as young adults as well as larvae.
1.2 The species is known in the UK only from
Caernarvonshire. There are post-1980 records from 6 one km squares,
four on Snowdon and two on Cwm Idwal. The site on Snowdon where most
adults have been collected is at 630 m above sea level, with a
westerly aspect. Here it is considered well established, with one
recorder estimating a population of perhaps 1000 individuals in
about 1978. Generally, populations remain sparse, in spite of
extensive searches. However, this is a difficult species to locate
in the field and there is no reliable evidence of decline. This
species is widespread throughout northern, central and southern
Europe, including the Mediterranean region.
1.3 In Great Britain this species is classified as
Endangered. The rainbow leaf beetle is specially protected
under Section 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. |
