THE dreaded Colorado beetle, one of farmers' deadliest enemies, has been found on the Isle of Wight.

The distinctive yellow and black beetle, pictured, was found in a bunch of parsley at a restaurant in Shanklin earlier this month.

The beetle was recognised by local police and taken to Winchester to PC Geoff Culbertson, the force wildlife liaison officer.

Officials from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs identified it and tracked down the source as a shipment of parsley from Italy.

Defra has dealt with about 20 cases so far this year. PC Culbertson said: "This is the first one I have heard of being in the Isle of Wight in the past three years.

"There is always the concern that the beetle could spread to native plants. If a pregnant female came over and laid her eggs then there really would be concern."

A native of the USA, it first came to Britain in 1933 and has plagued farmers since then. The insects feed on potatoes.

Anyone who finds one has to notify the authorities straight away.