Trichius fasciatus

Thank you for all the appreciation shown to yesterday's wander, today I stayed more local and used the woods to avoid the heat of the day. 

So, who said insects can't bee cute...look at this little chap. He's* a Bee Beetle, an amazing little impersonator. 
Found in the meadows on the way up to Mont Joux, this little fellow didn't seem to have a care in the world. 
Yet more proof of the wonderfulness of nature, he mimics a bee (known as Batesian Mimickry) to deter would be predators who otherwise might fancy him as a snack. Apparently he also occurs in SW Scotland and central Wales, but he was a fabulous new find for me. 

*obviously I've totally no idea how you'd tell a boy beetle from a girl beetle.