Green Fig Beetle
Cotinis mutabilis
This record describes Cotinis mutabilis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the most widespread and variable species within the genus, with dozens of forms, some quite different in appearance, throughout its range ...though metafemora may be partially pale: ...but may be bicolored, too:
Wikipedia reference for Cotinis mutabilis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figeater_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cetoniinae
- Tribe
- Gymnetini
- Genus
- Cotinis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA‒TX to Costa Rica
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on ripe fruit and sometimes sap.
Life History
oviposits in late summer in decaying organic matter (e.g. compost, dung); pupates in spring, adults emerge in mid- to late summer
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cotinis mutabilis (Gory & Percheron 1833)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cotinis mutabilis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Green Fig Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , James Bailey
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Fig Beetle
What is Green Fig Beetle?
Green Fig Beetle (Cotinis mutabilis) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Green Fig Beetle?
17‒34 mm
How do you identify Green Fig Beetle?
the most widespread and variable species within the genus, with dozens of forms, some quite different in appearance, throughout its range ...though metafemora may be partially pale: ...but may be bicolored, too:
Where is Green Fig Beetle found?
Range: CA‒TX to Costa Rica
What does Green Fig Beetle eat?
The diet of the Green Fig Beetle includes Adults feed on ripe fruit and sometimes sap..
What is the life cycle of a Green Fig Beetle?
oviposits in late summer in decaying organic matter (e.g. compost, dung); pupates in spring, adults emerge in mid- to late summer