Chrysolina brunsvicensis has always proved to been historically rare
in Nottinghamshire, with records prior to 2021 from Attenborough in
1903 and Barrow Hill Wood in 1908. After much searching personally and
checking any Chrysolina hyperici found over recent years,
Chrysolina brunsvicensis was suddenly
found at
Blidworth Woods by David Shaw in October 2021. David then found it at Hangar Hill Plantation and
near Budby Pumping Station in November 2021 while I turned it up at Carburton Border
and then Clipstone Old Quarter.
Very similar to the
much commoner
Chrysolina hyperici (the two species have been found together
at at least one Nottinghamshire site) with differences in the puncturation being
the best indicator of species, but specimens showing a beautiful claret
colouration usually prove to be C. brunsvicensis. It seems to
prefer St John's Wort (Hypericum sp) growing along the sides of
forest tracks. |
