The York Jewel - "the Tansy Beetle."

[SIMON GABRIELOW]

 

The TANSY BEETLE is very much a unique beetle familiar [ although not often seen] near York [ UK] where it favours a yellow plant called 'Tansy' on whcih it may sometimes be seen.  It is small and has a most beautiful irridescent sheen to its shell.  I have seen them only a few times [along the river  Ouse] outside York.  About 1 cm in size to give a sense of scale.  An incidental note here is the fact my late Grandfather [ Leonard Lee] liked to play mouth organ, and formed a little entertainment band which entertained people at the local hospital [ outside York] where was on the staff [ later as part -time gardener] and he called his group - "Tansy Lee"! where they wore colourful waistcoats and  a  cap [ Or so I was told by my late Mother!].. My tune is straightforward and cheerful as befits a colourful beetle.