#chrysolina

as far as super common bugs go Chrysolina bankii is an old reliable, the perfect find if you want to hold a shiny little black thing for a bit, to see your distorted reflection on its elytra, or simply to go "oh hey it's C. bankii season again". if you don't want to do any of that, they'll show up anyway. they love to show up

you can also get them to stare back at you if you want. this elicits no response because their eyesight probably sucks but the option is there

Rainbow Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina cerealis), family Chrysomelidae, Snowdon, Wales

Rosemary beetle - well aware they're not native species but neither is the rosemary they're living on. I might eventually swap that for a more fitting option but i think i'll miss my beetle neighbours when i do. They enjoy playing dead but trust me this pal was alive and well (and very hard to get off my finger again, you'd think they'd prefer the rosemary over my useless flesh).

Torskemundbladbille (Chrysolina sanguinolenta)

Chrysolina Americana aka Rosemary Beetle

They may be ruining my rosemary, but they look so good doing it.

These little jewels are mostly present around Mediterranean areas and some parts of Africa and Asia. Basically they have nothing to do with America and somebody fucked up.

Chrysolina, alternatively known as Chrysomela (both extremely cute names imo), is mostly a harmless bug except for its host plants. It is a very hated pest, as it tends to target aromatic plants like rosemary, thyme, and lavender. Personally, I think they should get a pass given how nice they look and how well behaved they are otherwise, as little gentle non-flying beetles.