Rose chafer
Rose Chafer (
Cetonia aurata, Scarab, also known as the
Goldsmith beetle,
Golden Fly) is a \nreasonably large
beetle growing to 18mm (0.7in) long that has metallic green coloration (but can be bronze, copper, violet, blue/black or grey) with a distinct v shape across the upper back just below the head and having several other irregular small white lines and marks. The underneath is a coppery colour. Laborious movement amongst
grass and
vegetation and capable of
flight. Found on
roses (from where it gets its name), a very common
insect in some areas usually seen between
May to
June/
July occasionally to
September, usually in sunny weather. Feeds on
foliage, buds,
flowers and
fruits of
blackberry,
raspberry,
strawberry,
cabbage,
beans,
beet and
pepper.
Larvae overwinter in
soil or rotting timber, rising to the surface in the spring to pupate. After a few weeks the adult beetle emerges to feed for 4-6 weeks. Following mating the females deposit groups of 6-40
eggs about 15cm (6in) below the soil surface in sandy or grassy areas and then die (eggs are occasionally laid in rotting wood). Larvae hatch, depending on the temperature, in 1-3 weeks to voraciously feed on
plant roots. Found over Southern and central
Europe and parts of
America, but apparently uncommon in the UK. They are capable of a heavy lumbering flight with a low droning sound. Commonly known as Leaf Chafers.
