I spotted a clump of statice on a rice field dike and went for a closer for a look, hoping to see a butterfly.

No butterflies but this little insect treated me to a show, first strolling across a reed leaf.

Then he climbed the statice.

I have no idea what he might have been looking for and when he reached the top of the flowers he flew off.

Cutie. It is a Groundselbush Beetle.
Thanks for the ID, Steve.
Lovely series of photos, Ellen!
Thank you, Peter! Nice when they are right up at eye level.
Cool little insect, Ellen, though, alas, I cannot identify it.
I was quite surprised he just puttered along while I watched. It’s a Groundsel Bush Beetle, per Steve Gingold. I think I’m less likely to learn beetles than dragonflies 😁.
I confess that I too have a bit less interest in Beetles too. Steve can have them all. 🙂
😆