Cetoniinae
Guides
Amithao erythropus
Amithao erythropus is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae (flower chafers). The species occurs in the Neotropical region from Mexico through Central America to Nicaragua, with records also from Texas in the Nearctic region. Like other members of the Gymnetini tribe, this species is likely associated with flowers and rotting vegetation, though specific natural history details remain poorly documented.
Chlorixanthe
fruit and flower chafers
Chlorixanthe is a genus of fruit and flower chafers in the beetle family Scarabaeidae, established by Bates in 1889. The genus contains at least three described species, including Chlorixanthe flavoviridis and Chlorixanthe propinqua. These beetles belong to the subfamily Cetoniinae, a group commonly associated with feeding on flowers and fruits. The genus is distributed in the Neotropical region.
Cotinis boylei
South Texas Coastal Cotinis
Cotinis boylei is a flower chafer beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, placed in the subgenus Criniflava within the genus Cotinis. It is known from coastal Texas and appears to be a rare species with very few documented observations. The species was described by Goodrich in 1966.
Cotinis nitida
green June beetle, June bug, June beetle, Common Green June Beetle
Cotinis nitida is a native North American scarab beetle in the flower chafer subfamily Cetoniinae. Adults are large, metallic green beetles active during daylight hours, often seen flying loudly in search of ripe or fermenting fruit. The species completes a one-year life cycle, with larvae feeding underground on decaying organic matter and occasionally damaging turfgrass roots through tunneling behavior. Though sometimes mistaken for the invasive Japanese beetle, this species is significantly larger and behaviorally distinct, and is generally considered a minor agricultural pest.
scarab-beetleflower-chafersap-feederfruit-pestturfgrass-pestwhite-grubdiurnalmetallic-greennative-speciesaggregation-pheromonegut-microbiomefermentation-attractionback-crawling-larvaone-year-life-cycleorganic-matter-decomposersoutheastern-US-endemicethanol-trap-attractionmale-clypeal-hornsexual-competitionmisidentification-riskCetoniinaeGymnetiniCotinisColeopteraScarabaeidaeCremastocheilini
Predatory Chafers
Cremastocheilini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Cetoniinae, comprising approximately 50 genera. Members of this tribe are commonly known as "Predatory Chafers." Many species are known to associate with ants, living within their nests. The tribe was established by Burmeister and Schaum in 1841.
Cremastocheilus canaliculatus
anteater scarab beetle
Cremastocheilus canaliculatus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae. Adults are approximately 10 mm in length, dull black, flattened, and heavily armored with a dense, pitted exoskeleton. The species is an obligate associate of ant colonies, where adults prey on ant larvae and pupae. It occurs in eastern North America, ranging from Ontario and Quebec south through the eastern United States.
Cremastocheilus crinitus
anteater scarab beetle
Cremastocheilus crinitus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle known for its specialized parasitic relationship with ants. Adults enter ant colonies by feigning death, allowing scavenging workers to carry them into nests. Once inside, they feed on ant larvae and pupae using modified piercing mouthparts. The species is part of a genus of approximately 35 North American species, commonly called "anteater scarabs" for their predatory behavior toward ant brood.
Cremastocheilus maritimus
Cremastocheilus maritimus is a species of anteater scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. Like other members of its genus, it is a myrmecophile that lives within ant colonies and feeds on ant brood. The species was described by Casey in 1915 and is known from coastal California. It shares the genus-wide adaptations for ant colony infiltration, including death-feigning behavior to gain entry and specialized mouthparts for piercing ant larvae.
Cremastocheilus mexicanus
Anteater scarab beetle
Cremastocheilus mexicanus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the tribe Cremastocheilini. The species is part of a genus of approximately 35 North American species known as 'anteater scarabs' for their specialized predatory relationship with ants. Adults and larvae inhabit ant colonies where they feed on ant brood, exhibiting remarkable morphological and behavioral adaptations for this lifestyle. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Euphoria
flower chafers, fruit chafers
Euphoria is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as flower or fruit chafers. The genus contains 59 species as of 2012 and is native to the Americas, with its highest diversity in Mexico and Central America. These beetles are characterized by their association with flowers and fruits, where adults feed and aggregate.
Euphoria biguttata
Euphoria biguttata is a species of flower chafer (subfamily Cetoniinae) in the scarab beetle family. The species was described in 1833 and is primarily distributed in Mexico and Central America, with rare records from the southwestern United States. As a member of the genus Euphoria, it shares the characteristic bee-mimic flight behavior and sap-feeding habits common to this group of flower scarabs. The specific epithet "biguttata" refers to two spots or markings, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources.
Euphoria casselberryi
Euphoria casselberryi is a species of flower scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae. It belongs to a genus known for colorful, bee-mimicking adults that are fast, erratic fliers with a distinctive flight mechanism where the elytra remain closed while the membranous hind wings deploy. The species was described by Robinson in 1937 and is known from limited records in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Euphoria devulsa
Euphoria devulsa is a species of flower chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. The species was described by Horn in 1880 and is accepted as valid. It belongs to the genus Euphoria, a group of colorful scarab beetles commonly known as flower chafers or bumble flower beetles. Members of this genus are known for their bee-mimicking flight behavior and attraction to fermenting sap flows on trees.
Euphoria discicollis
pocket gopher flower beetle
Euphoria discicollis is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. It is commonly known as the pocket gopher flower beetle. The species is distributed across the south-central United States, including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Like other Euphoria species, it is likely associated with flowers and sap flows, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Euphoria fascifera
Euphoria fascifera is a species of flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. The species was described by LeConte in 1861. Two subspecies are recognized: E. f. fascifera (LeConte, 1861) and E. f. trapezium Casey, 1915. The genus Euphoria comprises colorful flower chafers known for their bee-mimicking flight behavior and attraction to sap flows and flowers.
Euphoria fulgida
emerald euphoria, emerald euphorium
Euphoria fulgida, commonly known as the emerald euphoria, is a flower chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. This species exhibits remarkable color polymorphism, with most eastern U.S. populations appearing metallic green while western populations show blue-green, burgundy, or pink coloration. Adults are bee mimics with a unique wing mechanism allowing flight with elytra closed. The species has a one-year life cycle and is attracted to ethanol-based baits. Several subspecies have been described based on geographic variation in coloration.
Euphoria levinotata
Euphoria levinotata is a species of flower scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, described by Orozco in 2012. It belongs to a genus known for bee-mimicking flight behavior and attraction to fermenting tree sap. The species occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. Like other Euphoria species, adults are diurnal fliers that feed on sap flows and occasionally visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Euphoria schottii
Euphoria schottii is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. The genus Euphoria contains colorful species commonly known as flower chafers or bumble flower beetles, many of which exhibit Batesian mimicry of bees and wasps. Euphoria schottii is one of ten Euphoria species recorded from Arizona, where it occurs in association with agave plants. The species was described by Schott and is part of a genus whose taxonomy has undergone recent revision, with several former subspecies of E. fulgida elevated to full species status.
Euphoria sepulcralis
Dark Flower Scarab
Euphoria sepulcralis, commonly known as the Dark Flower Scarab, is a small flower chafer beetle (Cetoniinae) measuring 9–11 mm in length. It is widespread across the eastern and central United States, extending into Mexico. Adults are active during daylight hours and are frequently observed on flowers, particularly goldenrod, as well as at sap flows on trees. The species exhibits a distinctive dark brown to black coloration that distinguishes it from its more brightly colored congeners. It is one of the most commonly encountered Euphoria species in its range and has been documented feeding on roses as larvae.
Euphoria sonorae
Euphoria sonorae is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. It is a cryptic species that has been observed feeding on flower nectar. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Genuchinus ineptus
Genuchinus ineptus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle described by Horn in 1885. The species belongs to the tribe Cremastocheilini, a group known for associations with ants. Records indicate it occurs in Arizona, USA.
Gnorimella maculosa
Maculated Scarab
Gnorimella maculosa is a monotypic scarab beetle and the sole representative of its genus. It is characterized by spotted elytral patterning that gives the species its name. The beetle is associated with deciduous woodland habitats in eastern North America. It is considered uncommon in collections and field observations.
Gymnetina
Gymnetina is a genus of flower and fruit chafers (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) comprising approximately six described species. Members are attracted to sweet baits such as fermenting fruit or wine, and at least one subspecies (G. cretacea sundbergi) is endemic to the Organ Mountains of New Mexico. The genus occurs primarily in the Nearctic region, with species distributed across southwestern and south-central North America.
Gymnetina borealis
Gymnetina borealis is a species of flower chafer beetle (Cetoniinae) described from the southwestern United States. The species was formally described by Ratcliffe and Warner in 2011. As a member of the Gymnetini tribe, it belongs to a group of scarab beetles often associated with flowers and fruit. Very little biological information has been published for this species specifically.
Gymnetina cretacea
Gymnetina cretacea is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae (flower chafers). The species was described by LeConte in 1863. A recently described subspecies, G. c. sundbergi, is endemic to the Organ Mountains of southern New Mexico. Adults have been captured in sweet red wine-baited traps in juniper/oak/pinyon woodland habitat.
Gymnetina cretacea sundbergi
Gymnetina cretacea sundbergi is a recently described subspecies of flower chafer endemic to the Organ Mountains of New Mexico. It was first described in 2011 and has been documented at Aguirre Springs Campground in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. The subspecies is attracted to sweet red wine-baited traps and appears to be active in late summer and early fall.
Hologymnetis
fruit and flower chafers
Hologymnetis is a genus of fruit and flower chafers in the scarab beetle family Scarabaeidae, comprising approximately eight described species. The genus was established by Martinez in 1949 and is classified within the subfamily Cetoniinae and tribe Gymnetini. Species in this genus are distributed in the Neotropical region.
Lissomelas
Lissomelas is a genus of myrmecophilic scarab beetles established by Bates in 1889. The genus contains a single described species, L. flohri. These beetles are associated with ant colonies, a lifestyle characteristic of the tribe Cremastocheilini within the subfamily Cetoniinae.
Osmoderma
Typical Hermit Beetles, Hermit Beetles
Osmoderma is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as hermit beetles. The genus has a Holarctic distribution, with species found across Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. Several European species, particularly O. eremita and O. barnabita, are of significant conservation concern due to habitat loss and are protected under the EU Habitats Directive. The genus is characterized by its dependence on tree hollows for larval development, making it highly vulnerable to forest management practices that remove dead wood and veteran trees.
saproxylicconservationHabitats-Directivetree-hollowsveteran-treesindicator-speciesumbrella-specieswood-mouldCetoniinaeScarabaeidaeHolarcticEuropeNorth-Americathreatened-speciesdead-woodforest-managementcitizen-sciencedetection-dogsex-situ-breedingpollardingtraditional-agricultural-landscapesmetapopulationhabitat-fragmentationold-growth-forestbroad-leaved-treesoaklimewillowbeechorchardshedgerowsurban-parkspheromone-monitoringradio-trackingphoretic-mitesScopoli-1763Le-Peletier-&-Serville-1828O.-eremitaO.-barnabitaO.-eremicolahermit-beetleOsmoderma scabra
Osmoderma scabra is a saproxylic scarab beetle species native to eastern North America. It belongs to the same genus as the European hermit beetle (Osmoderma eremita), which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive and has been extensively studied for conservation monitoring. Unlike its European congener, O. scabra has received limited research attention and is not listed under major conservation frameworks. The species develops in decaying wood and hollow trees, where larvae feed on wood mould for multiple years before emerging as short-lived adults.
Paranovelsis varicolor
Paranovelsis varicolor is a flower chafer beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, distinguished by its variable coloration. The species belongs to a small genus of scarabs found in the Neotropical region. It exhibits the typical compact, convex body form characteristic of many flower chafers.
Protaetia fusca
Mango Flower Beetle, Mottled Flower Scarab
Protaetia fusca is a flower chafer beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as the Mango Flower Beetle or Mottled Flower Scarab. The species has a broad distribution spanning tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, the Pacific, and has been introduced to the Americas including Hawaii, California, Florida, and the Galápagos Islands. Larvae develop in decaying wood of broad-leaved trees, particularly Ficus species, while adults feed on tree sap and ripe fruits. The complete life cycle takes approximately one year, with adult activity peaking during summer months.
Trichiini
Bee Beetles and Flower Scarabs
Trichiini is a tribe of scarab beetles within the subfamily Cetoniinae (Scarabaeidae), historically treated as a subfamily (Trichiinae). Members range from 6 to 65 mm and include the conspicuous European bee beetles (genus Trichius). The tribe comprises five subtribes: Cryptodontina, Incaina, Osmodermatina, Platygeniina, and Trichiina. Adults are primarily flower-associated, feeding on sugar-rich plant secretions, while most larvae develop in rotten wood or decaying organic matter.
Trichiotinus
Bee-like Flower Scarabs, Flower Scarabs
Trichiotinus is a genus of flower chafers in the family Scarabaeidae, comprising approximately 8 described species native to the New World. The genus is commonly known as bee-like flower scarabs due to the resemblance of some species to bees. Members are primarily associated with flowers, where adults feed and mate. Several species have restricted distributions, making them regional specialties in Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida.
Trichiotinus lunulatus
Emerald Flower Scarab, Metallic Green Flower Scarab
Trichiotinus lunulatus is a flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, distributed across the southeastern United States. Adults are metallic green in color and have been observed visiting flowers, particularly those of pricklypear cactus (Opuntia). The species is smaller and more widespread than some congeners such as T. rufobrunneus.
Trichiotinus rufobrunneus
Florida flower scarab
Trichiotinus rufobrunneus is a species of flower scarab beetle endemic to Florida, commonly known as the Florida flower scarab. It belongs to the genus Trichiotinus, a North American endemic group of trichiine scarabs. The species is associated with the flowers of Opuntia australis (Florida pricklypear cactus), an endemic plant, and has been observed mating within these flowers. Its distribution is limited to Florida, making it a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss from urban development and agriculture.
Trigonopeltastes delta
delta flower scarab, D beetle
Trigonopeltastes delta is a diurnal scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as the delta flower scarab or D beetle. Adults measure 8–10 mm in length and are distinguished by a prominent yellow triangle on the pronotum that resembles the Greek letter delta, giving the species its name. This marking has been theorized to function in Batesian mimicry of wasp defensive coloration. The beetle is native to the southeastern United States with range extending north to New Jersey, and is frequently observed on flowers from late spring through summer.
Trigonopeltastes floridanus
Trigonopeltastes floridanus is a flower chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is endemic to Florida and associated with the flowers of Opuntia australis, the Florida pricklypear cactus. The species has been observed mating on cactus flowers, suggesting a close ecological relationship with this endemic host plant. Like other members of the genus, it likely feeds on pollen and floral tissues.
Valgus
Valgus is a genus of small scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. Most described species occur in Asia, with some extending into northern Africa and Europe. Three species are native to the New World, and one species is found in South Africa. Adults are characterized by their strongly flattened bodies and distinctive scale-like setae covering both dorsal and ventral surfaces.
Valgus californicus
Valgus californicus is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae, and tribe Valgini. It was described by Horn in 1870. The species has a limited known distribution in western North America, primarily recorded from California and Oregon in the United States, with additional records from Sinaloa in Mexico. Like other members of the genus Valgus, it is likely associated with decaying wood and woody debris, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Valgus canaliculatus
Valgus canaliculatus is a tiny scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, measuring only 4–6 mm in length with a broad, strongly flattened body. The species belongs to the tribe Valgini, one of only two tribes in Scarabaeidae possessing dorsal and ventral scale-like setae. Adults exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in feeding behavior: only males visit flowers, using specially modified brush-like mouthparts to lap up nectar, while females do not feed on pollen. The species has been documented in association with termite galleries, where eggs are laid and larvae feed on wood within the galleries, though whether this termophily is obligatory remains unclear.
Valgus hemipterus
Valgus hemipterus is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, measuring 6–10 mm in length. The species is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism: females possess an elongated, acuminate telson with a central groove and lateral serrations, a trait unusual among beetles, while males exhibit a different scale pattern and are more frequently observed on flowers. It has one generation per year and overwinters as a pupa.
Valgus seticollis
Bristly-necked Valgus
Valgus seticollis is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, tribe Valgini. It is one of two Valgus species native to North America, distinguished from the more widespread V. canaliculatus by its setose (bristly) pronotum. Adults are flower visitors, with males possessing brush-like mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. The species is associated with termite colonies, where larvae develop in wood within termite galleries.