Jewel Bug?

David spotted this but on our dahlia plant in the garden this morning, so I thought I would take a photo of it. Not sure what it is, but when I Googled it I think it may be a jewel bug. Anybody got any ideas?

PS If you read below you will see that Ian Watts @iwatts has identified this bug as a cotton harlequin bug. Well spotted Ian and thanks very much for your input, much appreciated.

[Sharon Simpson]

Gorgeous detail! Rather unusual, at that! Hope he isn't my 'who dunnit'!

[Paul "Snapchap" Everest]

Can't help you but it is a rather handsome little beastie.

[Yao RL]

This is surly an impressionist - a superior bug.

[Ian Watts]

A ladybird trying on a new coat for winter. I think it is a cotton Harlequin bug ( http://www.saveourwaterwaysnow.com.au/01_cms/details_pop.asp?ID=1161) Great shot.

[Ian Watts]

Here is another from that same page - http://www.saveourwaterwaysnow.com.au/_dbase_upl/ORANGE-BEATLE-_3227a.jpg

[Babs]

@savannah51 @steampowered @yaorenliu @iwatts Thanks everyone. Ian Watts @iwatts has identified this creature as a cotton harlequin bug. Just goes to show that someone from the UK can identify an Australian bug, when us locals can't! Thanks very much Ian for your efforts, much appreciated. You will see that I have given you credit in my write up too.

[Laurie F]

fantastic close up

[Angela Tavan]

what a stunning looking creature! great colours and a beautiful close-up shot!

[Nicola]

What a stunning blue, great find Dave, and interesting bug Babs.

[Scott]

Not sure but fantastic capture. Love the clarity on the edges of that leaf and bokeh to complement the mysterious bug!

[Humphrey Hippo]

He looks huge! Great colours.

[Derek Vickers]

Beautiful macro Babs. Fav

[Joey]

Wow, awesome shot!

[Paula W]

It's a beautiful bug, like a piece of jewellery.

[Mary]

What amazing details!

[Vijay]

this deserves a Fav!!

[Vijay]

loved the colors and the contrasts on the green ... looks like its painted :-)

[Babs]

@lafish @angelat @winnedreamer Thanks so much, we do get some colourful bugs here don't we.

[Babs]

@sbolden Thanks so much Scott. Ian Watts identified it as a cotton harlequin bug

[Babs]

@humphreyhippo Not that huge, just that it was a close up. It is about the size of a small bee.

[Babs]

@derekvickers Thanks so much for the fav Derek.

[Babs]

@joeyc @paulaw @mcmary Thanks so much. I've never seen one of these in my garden before. I think he has moved in to eat our dahlia.

[Babs]

@friend2303 Thanks so much for the fav. It really is colourful.

[Deb]

It looks like a ladybug who was last in line when the spray paint ran out!!! Great shot

[Babs]

@gypsy6 Psychedelic ladybug. Like that!! It looked a bit spaced out too!

[Eileen]

Ha ha - you have some very funny comments here! What can I say but, great shot!