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Malachius bipustulatus
The body is 5–7 millimetres (0.20–0.28 in) long, the head and pronotum are brownish, while elytrae are shining metallic green with a bright red spot at the end. Along the sides of the abdomen this species has a peculiar structure with orange poaches. These beetles mainly inhabit meadows at low altitudes. During the day they stay on herbs and flowers, including flowers of garden plants, mainly on Apiaceae, Asteraceae and Rosaceae species, where they feed on pollen, nectar and small insects. In case of necessity, this beetle can release a smell that deters predators. The males attract females producing special secretions from its antennae.
These beetles are mainly present in Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Sweden and in former Yugoslavia.
Spotted on Apr 27, 2013
Submitted on Apr 28, 2013
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