Bright Four-spined Legionnaire

Chlorisops nagatomii

Description

Over all length 6 to 7mm. The frons and thorax are glossy green ( golden at some angles) and the abdomen is orange, the segments marked by thin black lines with some dark patches along the sides.

Habitat

Forests in Europe, but found along a mixed hedgerow on the reserve. It is not clear what the larvae feed on, possibly micro-organisms in rotting vegetable-matter in wood or the soil.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in southern Britain, getting less common further north, with records as far north as Edinburgh. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire but with a well established colony at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

July to September.