Green Fig Beetle

Cotinis mutabilis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Cetoniinae
Tribe: Gymnetini
Genus: Cotinis
Species: mutabilis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cotinis mutabilis: /koʊˈtaɪnɪs mjuˈtæbɪlɪs/

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

Images

Figeater beetle by No machine-readable author provided. Elf assumed (based on copyright claims).. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Cotinis mutabilis-1 by Eugene Zelenko. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

PC180002JuneBeetleLarvae wb by Elf. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

BEETLE, FIG (Cotinis mutabilis) (7-8-11) 78 circulo montana, patagonia lake ranch estates, scc, az -01 (5916124009) by ALAN SCHMIERER. Used under a CC0 license.

Cotinis mutabilis (Gory & Percheron, 1833) (3438194541) by Udo Schmidt from Deutschland. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Cotinis mutabilis-2 by Eugene Zelenko. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Cotinis mutabilis, commonly known as the figeater beetle or green fig beetle, is a widely variable scarab beetle native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its colorful appearance and diet that includes ripe fruit.

Physical Characteristics

Adults grow to approximately 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) and are a semi-glossy green on the top with a brilliant iridescent green underside and legs. Hind legs are generally unicolorous.

Identification Tips

Confused with the green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) and Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica), but distinguished by color and habitat preference. C. nitida is smaller and primarily found in the eastern US.

Habitat

Primarily found in tropical and subtropical forests, oak forests, and cloud forests. Also inhabits urban areas and gardens.

Distribution

California to Texas, Mexico, and northern South America with a range extending throughout almost all of Mexico.

Diet

Adults feed on ripe or overripe fruit, preferring soft-skinned varieties such as figs, peaches, grapes, pears, and tomatoes. Larvae feed on decomposing organic matter in compost and manure piles.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid in decaying organic matter; larvae develop in this medium and pupate in the spring. Adults emerge from July to September.

Reproduction

Oviposits in late summer in decaying organic matter such as compost or dung where the larvae develop.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in decomposing organic matter through its larvae feeding on it and helps in pollination as adults feed on flowers.

Economic Impact

Can become minor pests in gardens; while they can swarm and damage crops, especially soft fruits, they are not considered major pests currently.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for similar beetle species, leading to confusion in identification.