2. Rosemary beetle (Chrysolina americana)
Rosemary beetle on lavendar
Rosemary beetles are metallic green with purple stripes. They are about 8mm long. © Lisa Hendry
Between May and October you can see this beetle on rosemary and other aromatic plants such as lavender, sage and thyme.
The rosemary beetle was first spotted in the UK in London in 1994 and quickly spread through much of the UK.
Native to southern Europe, the species probably arrived here on an imported rosemary plant. Some gardeners consider it a pest as the larvae and adults nibble a bit off rosemary or lavender leaves, but others appreciate it as a beautiful addition to their gardens.