Cryptocephalus punctiger Paykull, 1799
Taxonomy: Polyphaga > Chrysomeloidea > Chrysomelidae > Cryptocephalus > Cryptocephalus punctiger
Common name:
Blue Pepper-pot Beetle
Description
Size: 2.4-3.5mm
Basic colour: Black and dark metallic blue
Pattern colour: Head usually with yellow markings on the top. Pronotum black with front and rear angles yellow. Elytra black with faint metallic blue reflection.
Number of spots: None, though note pattern of pronotum.
Pronotoum: Black with front and rear angles yellow.
Leg colour: Yellow to pale brown; sometimes partly dark brown.
Confusion species: Cryptocephalus parvulus
Basic colour: Black and dark metallic blue
Pattern colour: Head usually with yellow markings on the top. Pronotum black with front and rear angles yellow. Elytra black with faint metallic blue reflection.
Number of spots: None, though note pattern of pronotum.
Pronotoum: Black with front and rear angles yellow.
Leg colour: Yellow to pale brown; sometimes partly dark brown.
Confusion species: Cryptocephalus parvulus
Scarce, with a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) page here.
Biology
Status: Scarce (Notable A) - very scattered and appears to have declined. A UK BAP species.
Habitat: Broadleaved woodlands and commons.
Host plant: Birch saplings and other trees
Overwintering: Unknown
Food: Birch leaves
Other notes: Similar to C. parvulus but with yellow markings.
Habitat: Broadleaved woodlands and commons.
Host plant: Birch saplings and other trees
Overwintering: Unknown
Food: Birch leaves
Other notes: Similar to C. parvulus but with yellow markings.