Swollen-thighed Beetle
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Oedemera nobilis
Common around the meadows of Britain in May & June, often favouring Rock Roses.
Also known as Thick-knee Beetles.
The Male of Oedemera nobilis, as in most Oedemera species, possesses hind femora that are very swollen, whereas in the Female the femora are thin; the elytra are strongly narrowed towards the apexes, not hiding the membranous hind wings.
It is bright green, frequently with a golden or coppery shine; some individuals are blue or violaceous.
It feeds on pollen and nectar of Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cruciferae, Dipsacaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Poaceae, Papaveraceae, Plantaginaceae, Rosaceae, Rubiaceae and Apiaceae.
The Larvae develop on dry stems of Spartium and Cirsium.