Rose Chafer
Cetonia aurata
This record describes Cetonia aurata (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 14 to 20 mm. This beautiful iridescent beetle can occur in a variety of colours; the wing cases or elytra are typically bright green, but they may be darker, variegated or golden. The white marks on the elytra are also highly variable between individuals. There is always a V shaped mark on the back where the wing cases meet. They feed on leaves, fruits, flowers and buds of a range of plants including roses, (hence the common name), and are often perceived as garden pests for this reason. The adult beetles are active between April and September; they fly clumsily and are typically seen in sunny weather. The larvae live inside rotting wood and humus. Scattered records for this species across the southern half of Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Cetonia aurata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetonia_aurata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Genus
- Cetonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
They feed on leaves, fruits, flowers and buds of a range of plants including roses, (hence the common name), and are often perceived as garden pests for this reason.
Seasonal Activity
The adult beetles are active between April and September; they fly clumsily and are typically seen in sunny weather.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae live inside rotting wood and humus.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered records for this species across the southern half of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cetonia aurata. 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 Rose Chafer (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Chafer
What is Rose Chafer?
Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rose Chafer?
14 to 20 mm. This beautiful iridescent beetle can occur in a variety of colours; the wing cases or elytra are typically bright green, but they may be darker, variegated or golden. The white marks on the elytra are also highly variable between individuals. There is always a V shaped mark on the back where the wing cases meet.
Where is Rose Chafer found?
Habitat: They feed on leaves, fruits, flowers and buds of a range of plants including roses, (hence the common name), and are often perceived as garden pests for this reason.
When is Rose Chafer active?
Rose Chafer: seasonal activity - The adult beetles are active between April and September; they fly clumsily and are typically seen in sunny weather..
What is the life cycle of a Rose Chafer?
The larvae live inside rotting wood and humus.