Cochineal Beetle or Not?

[MarieV]

I'm hoping David (Deetheturk) will see this and tell me whether this beetle is related to the cochineal lice that is bred on the Prickly Pear in order to produce carmine. I was recently walking on the island of Lanzarote and spotted him running beside a field of prickly pear and - because of his red stripe - wondered if there was a connection! I see from other posts that David is in Scotland (and feeling the cold) so he may not see this but I'm sure other members can help. Many thanks.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured.

[MarieV]

Thank you John and still no joy yet in having him identified...!!

[IzzieK]

I wish I can help you Marie...maybe Grahame can and a few other insect guys here.

[flashback]

Not a cochineal, which is a scale insect native to Mexico and South America. Not sure which species of beetle you have there.

[MarieV]

Hi Izzie - the fact that this little fellow caught my eye on a walk on the island made me curious as to whether he was related to the cochineal farming on the island. Anyway, I liked his sporting red stripe and he could certainly move very fast..!!

[MarieV]

Not a cochineal, which is a scale insect native to Mexico and South America. Not sure which species of beetle you have there.

Hi Jack, the prickly pear cacti were introduced to the Canary Islands from Mexico and cochineal farming on Lanzarote started in the 1830s. Perhaps this beetle has absolutely nothing to do with cochineal but his red stripe made me wonder was there a connection. Thank you for your help.

[Shadowman]

Marie,

This link might help.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/60

[MarieV]

Thank you John - you're suggestion prompted me to google 'Beetle Lanzarote' and, under images, there he is as a "Gypsophila leaf beetle (Chrysolina gypsophilae)" so not obviously related the cochineal. However, as I scrolled through them, my beetle image appeared which concerned me as now I wonder do other images posted here get posted elsewhere.....hhhmmm!!

[Shadowman]

Hi Marie,

I believe they do appear elsewhere; depends on browser.