© Stuart M Bennett 2000

Cetonia aurata
(Rose Chafer)


This is a species that the gardener will know especially when it nibbles his roses. The elytra are clearly flattened. The animal is usually green but it can be bronze and sometimes even bluish black. The underneath of the animal is coppery red. This species is usually about in May and June, though the more south you go the longer it is about. It nibbles various flowers including roses. The larvae live in rotting timber , especially in old willows. Below is a brilliant photograph of an actual Rose Chafer taken by Piers Flawn-Thomas aged 5 (He said that daddy helped, but I don't believe that)...Well done Piers..!!

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