Trichius fasciatus

Thats a rare sight MG, but perhaps not so rare in scotland? Are they a threat in any way to native insects or plants?

Not a threat so far as I know Drc we have at least five of them and so far as I know they are very rare in Scotland. Am checking with a friend who is part of SNH to see if we are supposed to report the sighting.

How interesting, i'll read up on these.

I'm hoping they will stay around for a while... they are simply amazing to watch.

Interesting, thanks MG

I have never seen anything like that, and have never heard of bee beetles. Amazing looking things, also love the blue of that iris.

UK Safari site says they're rare in Britain, usually found on thyme or rose flowers, and only between May and July. I've managed to live 60 years, 30 spent gardening, without ever seeing one.

I read they are only seen in scotland?

That's all the info I've got "rare in Britain".

wow not seen these before mrs mb, arent they cute, and good i take it, great pic ;o))

All I know is they are rare... finally counted 6 of then! We are really, rally excited as they seem to be so rare! But friend who is with SNH has not come back so maybe we are just proud parents - lol

That's amazing - I'm glad you have a good clear photo of them!

Thank Spritz. have to say the iris is suffering. Not sure how they do it but must be sucking the sap out somehow...

Well - to be honest, I don't think you really have a choice if they are so rare - I'd let the iris suffer! It'll come back next year, after all...they may not!

Exactly :-)

wow there quite pretty

Amazing aren't they :-)

I read the bee beetles as a polite way of passing unsavoury comments about them. Never heard of a bee beetle. How interesting, good photo too.

Thx. still wandering around on the iris - even sleep on it overnight!

they are stunning,pleased you are leaving them alone. well done on spotting them.

They've been on the iris for a week now... fortunately for them we have several clumps of siberian iris as they seem to decimate them fairly rapidly. Wouldn't dream of harming them.

A Guest has just posted a question about a similar looking beastie in East Sussex. (29/06/2010 - 2pm)

We were finally pointed in the correct direction to report them so the siting could be recorded. Sadly they have now gone - probably to the home for ex-beetles in the sky! It seems that this area of Scotland is one of the few in the UK where they are seen.

I'm off to look at Guest's question

What fabulous beasties - and such amazing mimicry too!

Yes we were delighted to have them in the garden and hope they have laid babies somewhere.

Amazing looking they really standout

Disappeared as soon as the irises stopped flowering. Himself thinks they mated and have laid their eggs somewhere so we will just have to wait and see.

Fascinating pic :o)

omg they look alien ,never heard of them b 4 . wow

Not alien simply what they are amazing beetles!

;0))))))

heavenly gorgious irises, Moon. The beetles know they fit to perfection in that hue. The upper half is like a prearie bison, the lower a somewhat fat tiger.

lol

We're keeping a watch to see if they reappear

What beautiful little creatures .Have added this to my favourites.

They 'are' amazing. Another couple of weeks and we will start seriously looking for again, provided the wind hasn't flattened the irises!

They look little beauties, hope you find more babies on your travels around your garden. I have also added this to my favs.

14 June they're back! Two days earlier than last year, or perhaps it is just that we were watching out for their arrival... first spotted yesterday on the iris and also on the meconopsis today.

Welcome back, bee beetles ;o)

Yup we have totally welcomed them back

That's great news! You've obviously got the conditions that they like.

Would seem so Ilex, my only concern is that the irises are further on than they were a year ago but I'm sure they still find plenty to eat.

Interesting observation. I see that the original photo is dated 16 June and the flowers are very fresh looking. On 16 this year this clump is over.

Just seen this. Really eyecatching creatures. Hope you do find some more. Lovely photo...

We saw a few this year - far less than last year! So long as they keep reappearing we will be happy :-)

I have just seen this as well, they are cute little fellows how fascinating,lets hope they come back ths year to :)))

Fingers crossed the will re-appear in 2012

Hi Moon growe, I hope you manage to have the bee beetles back again this year. I bet something like Springwatch would like a photo of them - they often show viewers photos :)

The irises they love aren't in flower yet so will have to be patient...

Just seen this, how exiting waiting to see if they return for a 3rd summer :)

Yes it is Magna

hi MG ,just came across this photo today, fascinating
have they returned this year yet ?

Sadly no Helen, I think the cold and wet has deterred them

Aw that,s a pity ,wonder if they will return next year?
I hope so

Fingers crossed they will

Hi, it's 2013, I just saw your beetles. Like everyone else I find them BEAUTIFUL! Haven't seen anything like them in Southern California either. Have they returned?

The beetles may appear next summer Jomichele in June depending on the weather...

Wow nice pic!!! I had some darker Sib Irises once. The clumps were huge so I divided & gave lots away. Year later after abnormal weather...all of mine went !!!