beetles

June Bug

The Green June Beetle, Cotinis nitida, is the second most common June bug in Florida. Most of this native June bug’s life is spent underground where it begins as an egg. The grub dines on roots before pupation. Wild animals will dig in the soil to consume the larvae that are full of nutrients.
The iridescent, emerald-colored adult Green June Beetle emerges and will begin the process of mating and laying eggs. The June bug will bore into fruits and sip nectar from wildflowers and tree blossoms. This common beetle at up to 1 inch long is a great source of protein for birds, and wild animals such as raccoons and skunks. Photo credit: Andy Waldo
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Dark Flower Scarab Beetle

Dark Flower Scarab Beetles (Euphoria sepulcralis) have white markings on a black or dark brown body that reflects a metallic bronze or green color in the sunlight. They are daytime flyers and can often be found snacking on flowers in yards throughout Florida.

“The adults feed on tree sap, a wide variety of ripening fruits, corn, and the flowers of apple, thistle, mock orange, milkweed, dogwood, sumac, yarrow, daisies, and goldenrod.” Ratcliffe (1991). Occasionally, these common beetles are considered pests because they love to munch on the flowers of fruit trees, roses, and corn.

Dark Flower Scarab Beetles make tasty dinners for a variety of animals. Grubs, which hatch underground from eggs, are eaten by birds, moles, and skunks. Other animals such as frogs, bats, and birds eat adult beetles.

Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain

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