Fruit and Flower Chafers

Cetoniinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cetoniinae: /ˌsɛtoʊˈnaɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Euphoria inda P1520797a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Euphoria indaPCSL02117A by Patrick Coin (Patrick Coin). Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.
Euphoria fulgida P1050992a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Euphoria inda 2 by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Euphoria sepulcralis P1050679a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Euphoria fulgida P1050991a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Cetoniinae, or fruit and flower chafers, are a diverse subfamily of scarab beetles known for their brightly colored adults, which are often found visiting flowers. With approximately 4,740 species worldwide and a notable presence in tropical regions, they play significant roles in pollination and decomposing organic materials.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are usually brightly colored and metallic in appearance, somewhat flattened in shape. Larvae are stout-bodied, very hairy, and have short legs with the head partly covered by the prothorax.

Identification Tips

Look for their characteristic brightly colored elytra and the visible antennal insertions from above. The elytra lack a narrow membranous margin and are truncate to expose the pygidium.

Habitat

Adults are commonly found on flowers, tree sap, and rotting fruit, while larvae live in decaying plant matter or soil.

Distribution

Worldwide, predominantly in tropical regions; in our area, they are widespread.

Diet

Adults are herbivorous, feeding on nectar, pollen, tree sap, and rotting fruit, whereas larvae feed on organic material in soil and decaying wood.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes larval stages that generally feed in decaying organic matter, and adults that are diurnal and primarily feed on flowers.

Predators

Some species, particularly in Cremastocheilini tribe, are known to be predaceous, feeding on hymenopteran larvae or nymphs.

Ecosystem Role

Adults play a role as pollinators, while larvae contribute to the decomposition of organic matter in the soil.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting adults from flowers
  • Trapping

Preservation Methods

  • Drying
  • Pinning
  • Preserving in alcohol

Misconceptions

Some may confuse them with other beetles, but their distinctive coloration and feeding habits set them apart.

Tags

  • Cetoniinae
  • Fruit Chafers
  • Flower Beetles
  • Scarabaeidae
  • Insecta