At first glance, the beetle’s shimmering metallic green body makes it stand out from many other insects. In sunlight, it can appear almost jewel-like, with hints of gold or copper reflecting from its armour-plated wings. 

The wing cases (elytra) are narrow and don't quite meet in the middle, leaving an obvious gap with the wing membrane below exposed. Look even closer and the males reveal the feature that gives the species its name – dramatically enlarged hind legs that appear almost comically muscular. Females don't have these and hence can be mistaken for other similar species.

Despite their eye-catching appearance, thick-legged flower beetles are completely harmless. Instead, they play an important role in helping pollinate wildflowers. Adults feed on pollen and spend much of their time moving between blooms, making June one of the best months to see them in action. Oxeye daisies are a particular favourite and are often alive with these metallic beetles during early summer. They can also be found on bramble flowers, cow parsley and other members of the carrot family. 

Once largely confined to parts of southern England, the species has expanded its range significantly in recent decades and is now much more widespread. Warm, sunny weather appears to suit the beetle well, and it has become an increasingly familiar sight across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Like all beetles, the thick-legged flower beetle belongs to the order Coleoptera, the largest group of insects on Earth. Beetles perform a huge variety of ecological roles, from recycling dead plant material to pollinating flowers, and this species is a wonderful example of the contribution insects make to healthy ecosystems.

While the adults are easy to spot through summer, much of their life remains hidden. The larvae develop inside the hollow stems of plants such as thistles and other herbaceous species, feeding and growing out of sight for many months. After overwintering within the plant stems, they eventually pupate and emerge as adults in spring. By June, the metallic green beetles are at their most visible, busily moving between flowers in search of pollen and helping to pollinate a wide range of wild plants.