Bee-mimics
Guides
Cetoniinae
Fruit and Flower Chafers, Flower Chafers, Flower Scarabs, Flower Beetles
Cetoniinae is a diverse subfamily of scarab beetles comprising approximately 4,000 species, many still undescribed. Adults are commonly known as fruit and flower chafers due to their frequent association with flowers for pollen and nectar, and their consumption of fruit. Many species exhibit bright coloration and distinctive patterns. The subfamily is characterized by a unique flight mechanism in which the elytra remain closed during flight while the membranous hind wings deploy through a specialized hinge, producing a bee-like flight appearance. Members occupy varied habitats including forests, grasslands, agricultural areas, and urban parks across tropical and temperate regions worldwide.
Cotinis
Green June Beetles
Cotinis is a genus of flower chafer scarab beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, distributed throughout North and South America. The genus was erected by Hermann Burmeister in 1842 and contains approximately 25 species. At least two species, C. nitida (Green June Beetle) and C. mutabilis (Fig Beetle), are recognized as common agricultural and garden pests. Members are characterized by their distinctive flight mechanism where hardened elytra remain closed while membranous hindwings extend for flight, producing a bee-like appearance and sound.
Laphriinae
robber flies
Laphriinae is a subfamily of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing over 110 genera and 1,000 described species. Adults are predatory, with many species exhibiting mimicry of bees and wasps. The subfamily is notable for its larval ecology: all species have larvae that prey on wood-boring beetle larvae, primarily in families Buprestidae and Cerambycidae. Some species have specialized host relationships, such as Hyperechia larvae developing within cells of Xylocopa carpenter bees.