Flower-chafer
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 impia
Cotinis impia is a scarab beetle in the genus Cotinis, first described by Fall in 1905. The species is known from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Field observations indicate it has been collected on Baccharis sarothroides (desert broom), though additional host associations remain poorly documented. Like other members of the genus Cotinis, it belongs to the flower chafer group within Scarabaeidae.
Cotinis mutabilis
Figeater beetle, Green fruit beetle, Fig beetle, Western green June beetle
Cotinis mutabilis, commonly known as the figeater beetle or green fruit beetle, is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae (flower chafers). Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, adults are medium to large, metallic green beetles that feed on ripe fruits, particularly figs, as well as flower nectar and pollen. The species is often mistaken for the eastern green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) and occasionally for the invasive Japanese beetle. Adults are strong fliers attracted to fermenting fruit odors and are active primarily in mid-summer through fall. Larvae develop in decomposing organic matter and compost.
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-riskCetoniinaeGymnetiniCotinisColeopteraScarabaeidaeEuphoria
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 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 herbacea
Olive Flower Beetle
Euphoria herbacea is a medium-sized scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as flower chafers or fruit chafers. Adults measure 15–16 mm and display an olive-green coloration. The species is endemic to the United States, with its distribution centered on the central plains and areas east of the Mississippi River. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to fermenting sap flows on trees and exhibits a distinctive flight morphology with hind wings that deploy while the elytra remain closed.
Euphoria inda
bumble flower beetle, brown fruit chafer, Indian cetonia
Euphoria inda is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as the bumble flower beetle. Adults are active pollinators that feed on pollen, nectar, sap, and damaged fruits. The species is notable for its distinctive flight behavior: adults do not lift their elytra during flight, causing the hindwings to vibrate inside and produce a buzzing sound. It is widely distributed across North America and has been documented in large numbers at fermented bait traps in prairie and woodland habitats.
Euphoria monticola
Euphoria monticola is a species of flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. It was originally described by Henry Walter Bates in 1889. The species was formerly considered conspecific with Euphoria fulgida but was recognized as distinct in a 2012 revision by Jesus Orozco. It is primarily distributed in the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico) and mountainous regions of Mexico.
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.
Gnorimella
maculate flower scarab
Gnorimella is a monotypic genus of scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, containing the single species Gnorimella maculosa. This uncommon beetle is notable for its spotted patterning and association with deciduous woodland habitats in eastern North America. The genus was established by Casey in 1915 and remains one of the more rarely encountered cetoniine scarabs in its range.
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.
Paracotalpa deserta
Paracotalpa deserta is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Rutelinae. The species was described by Saylor in 1940 and is known from desert regions of California and Baja California. It belongs to a genus of flower chafers found in western North America.
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 affinis
Hairy Flower Scarab
Trichiotinus affinis, commonly known as the Hairy Flower Scarab, is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found across eastern North America. The species belongs to the flower chafer subfamily Cetoniinae, a group known for visiting flowers to feed on pollen and nectar.
Trichiotinus assimilis
hairy flower scarab, flower chafer, bee-mimic beetle
Trichiotinus assimilis is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the hairy flower scarab or bee-mimic beetle. It is found across much of North America, with records from Canada and the northern and western United States. The species is associated with flowers, where adults feed on pollen. It belongs to a genus whose members often exhibit bee-mimicry in appearance.
Trichiotinus texanus
Texas flower scarab
Trichiotinus texanus, the Texas flower scarab, is a species of flower chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a regional specialty found primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, where it has been collected on flowers of various native plants including Allium sp., Cirsium undulatum, and Torilis arvensis. The species is part of the genus Trichiotinus, which contains other North American flower scarabs often associated with blooming vegetation.
Trigonopeltastes
Trigonopeltastes is a genus of fruit and flower chafers in the beetle family Scarabaeidae, containing more than 20 described species distributed across North and Central America. The genus name derives from Greek 'trigon' (triangle) and 'pelt' (shield), referring to the triangular, shield-shaped pronotum characteristic of these beetles. The most commonly encountered species, Trigonopeltastes delta, is notable for its distinctive coloration and flower-visiting behavior.
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.