goldsmith beetle
Quick Summary
The goldsmith beetle is a type of scarab beetle known for its bright, metallic coloration. There are several species, including a European beetle (Cetonia aurata) and a North American species (Cotalpa lanigera). The North American goldsmith beetle is about 0.8 to 1 inch long, with a shining gold head and thorax and a copper-colored underside.12
Adult goldsmith beetles feed on foliage, while their larvae live in the soil and consume roots. Some species, like Cotalpa lanigera, can be locally important defoliators of deciduous trees. The subfamily Rutelinae, to which the goldsmith beetle belongs, includes some of the most beautifully colored and destructive beetles, with many species found in tropical and subtropical regions.12
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