Best time to see: Apr to end Jul

Key facts

A metallic-green beetle often seen on flowers feeding on nectar and pollen, and especially on ox-eye daisies

Only the male has the thickened 'thighs' that give it its name

Common in western Europe and throughout southern England

Recognition

Vivid metallic green all over with, in the male, swollen upper hind legs

The wing cases are slender and open at the centre, revealing the wings underneath

8–10 mm long

Lifecycle

Young develop in the hollow stems of dead plants, where they feed on the pith

Adults fly well and can be found on the flower heads of a range of plants, including daisies, hogweed and bramble