Tansy Beetle

The tansy beetle (Chrysolina graminis) is a species of leaf beetle. The common name derives from its main foodplant, tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), but it can also use other wetland plants such as gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus) and water mint (Mentha aquatica). It measures 7.7–10.5 mm in length and has a characteristic bright metallic green colouration, with pitted elytra and a coppery tinge. In addition to the nominotypical subspecies, which repeats the specific name, C. graminis graminis, there are five further distinct subspecies of tansy beetle, which, collectively, have a Palearctic distribution, although in the majority of countries where it is found the species is declining.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Tansy Beetle being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Chrysolina herbacea
• Chrysolina viridana
• Fasta fastuosa

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Chrysomelidae

Genus

Chrysolina

Species

Chrysolina graminis

More species