Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 206

The blue mint beetle, Chrysolina coerulans, is a species of beetle found in mid and eastern Europe. It is characterized by its metallic blue elytra, black legs and antennae, and rounded larvae. The beetle feeds on various species of Mentha and Tanacetum, including garden mint and wild horse mint. In the UK, the beetle was first detected breeding in Kent in 2011 and has since been found in several locations across the country. It poses a risk to gardeners who grow mint plants.