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Harlequin Flower Beetle
Gymnetis thula
The Harlequin Flower Beetle is a strikingly patterned species of scarab beetle. They are a robust yellow and black beetle with a large pattern variation between individuals. Although they are not identical, they are all the same species. Adults grow to approximately 16-21 mm.
Range & Habitat
These day-flying beetles can be found in the southeastern United States and northern Mexico within low-elevation & mid-elevation tropical rainforests. Larvae have been found dwelling in tree holes of post oak, mesquite, & several other species.
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Diet
In the Wild: Variety of flowers, nectar, fruit, pollen, and tree sap
In Human Care: A variety of ripe fruit & scraps of vegetables
Life Span
In the Wild: unknown
In Human Care: Unknown
In Human Care: Unknown
Fun Facts about the Harlequin Flower Beetle
- Flower scarabs are important pollinators.
- Scarab beetles are distinguished from other beetles by their antennae which terminates in three flattened plates that fit together to form a club.
- They undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages of development: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult.
Sources
Ehrman, J. and Schaffer, D. (2014). Beetle, Harlequin Flower. Retrieved May 27, 2021, from https://pzdocents.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Beetle-Harlequin-Flower-MPRF-11-10-14.pdf
InsectIdentification (Ed.). (2021). Harlequin Flower Beetle. Retrieved May 27, 2021, from https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Harlequin-Flower-Beetle
Updated June 13, 2023
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