Alexander he's not

Phyllotreta vittula - Barley Flea Beetle

but why was he visiting my office? first of all I had to establish just what Alexander was. When I first approached him he jumped....... like a flea and on close inspection I noticed he had hard case wings, a bit difficult to spot, as he was as small as a spot, about 1.5mm.

So good old Google got it first hit with "beetle that jumps like a flea" and good old Wiki provided the detail.

So I now knew what Alexander was, I was then rather surprised that someone else was counting him or at least knew where else he lives in the UK the the National Biodiversity Networks Gateway seemed to know his traveling habits. Just who counts these tiny little critters?

Anyway Alexander decided I had no Barley and made his exit. Probably to the Yucca plant at the desk next door.