Pollen Time

Malachite Beetle, Malachius bipustulatus, in a Meadow Buttercup, Ranunculus acris.  Jubilee Country Park, 3 June 2013.

So many small creatures love pollen.  Not just bees, but beetles too.  This showy little creature is a Malachite Beetle, easily recognised by the feature that, in close-up, looks like a hairy red backside.  It's actually part of the beetle's wing-cases.

Malachite Beetle, Malachius bipustulatus, in a Meadow Buttercup, Ranunculus acris.  Jubilee Country Park, 3 June 2013.

It seems to be munching away at this stamen, but it's the pollen that it wants. 

A Meadow Buttercup, Ranunculus acris, with a Malachite Beetle, Malachius bipustulatus.
Jubilee Country Park, 3 June 2013.

The meadow was full of these tall Buttercups, the most conspicuous flower at the moment.  You can see the beetle at the middle centre of the photo.