and wasps . Their caterpillar-like small larvae feast on leaves of plants such as willow , gooseberry , rose , Solomon ’ s seal , geranium and even on the young fruit of apples . They can defoliate plants relatively quickly , but they are a nuisance rather than a serious threat . Picking them off by hand is probably the best way to deal with them , together with attracting natural predators to help control numbers .
Soldier beetles can be red , brown , yellow , or black and are distinctive because of their slim , elongated , soft bodies . They are a gardener ’ s friend , feeding on aphids , red spider mites , and caterpillars .
There are more than 35 species of tiny pollen beetle in the UK . These beetles develop and live in the flower buds of many different plants . They are small , dark beetles with a metallic sheen , and they do no harm . They eat pollen and might also help with pollination .
Ground-dwelling beetles and beetles known as rove beetles are friends ! If you find any of these dark beetles hiding under leaf litter or rocks during the daytime , leave them be . They feed on smaller insects , garden pests such as aphids , fly eggs and various larvae .
If you see Britain ’ s largest beetle , the stag beetle , consider yourself very lucky and protect them at all costs .
By Caroline Knight
< www . boxmoordirect . co . uk < 27