[John J]

Anyone recognise the pollen coated beetles on the Iris, I can't recall having seen them before. As can be seen from the water droplets we're still experiencing very unseasonal weather, heavy rain again last night, and cold!

[Miriam]

Looks like Oxythyrea funesta.

[John J]

Thanks for that, Miriam, I think you have it spot on. Now that I have looked them up I shall go out immediately and try to find them and dispose of them as they are apparently harmful not only to ornamentals but also fruit trees, and as the irises in question are situated close to our fruit tree area.....!

[John J]

Found and dispatched, no others seen today so, hopefully, they were a couple of loners who found their way in somehow and fingers crossed we get no more!