With its greenish-golden shimmering dress, the rose chafer (Cetonia aurata) is one of the loveliest garden visitors. While the adult animals mainly look for the blossoms of roses and other plants, the extremely useful grubs can be found in the compost.

The best-known rose beetle species inspires with its green shell

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. What are rose chafers?
  3. Rose chafer in the garden
  4. Keeping and breeding rose beetles
  5. frequently asked Questions

    6. the essentials in brief

    • There are around 3000 different species of rose chafer, most of which are native to tropical regions of the world.
    • They often attract attention with their shiny metallic colors and brightly colored patterns.
    • Native species are useful in the garden as they contribute to humus production and pollinate flowering plants. Larvae found in the compost are mostly rose chafer grubs.
    • Exotic species can be kept in terrariums and are popular and, depending on the variety, quite uncomplicated pets.

    What are rose chafers?

    Like the closely related May or June beetles, rose chafers (lat. Cetoniinae) belong to the scarab beetles (lat. Scarabaeidae). The family is distributed all over the world, with a large part of the approximately 3000 species being native to the tropical regions. In Germany, only the golden rose chafer (lat. Cetonia aurata, also "common rose chafer"), which is often found in the garden, the less common large rose chafer (lat. Protaetia speciosissima, also "big gold chafer") and the copper rose chafer (lat. protaetia cuprea) before. The other European species are rather rare in this country or are at home in the Mediterranean region.

    Great variety of species

    The approximately 3000 different species of rose chafer are divided into 400 different genera. Of these, only 14 varieties are native to Europe, the rest of the warmth-loving insects are mainly found in the tropics.

    Overview of European rose chafers

    The black rose chafer is black unless covered in yellow pollen

    You can observe the rose chafers listed in the following table - provided you are lucky, since most species are considered to be highly endangered - in the garden or in the wild. The probability of this is particularly high in southern Germany - mainly Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg - since the animals are considered to love warmth. The list does not claim to be complete.

    kind Alternate names Scientific name Happen size coloring particularities
    Gold shiny rose chafer Common rose chafer Cetonia aurata all of Europe, Asia Minor and the Near East to China 14 to 20 millimeters metallic green-gold shimmering is under nature protection in Germany
    Mourning Rose Beetle Black rose chafer Oxythyrea funesta mainly in the Mediterranean region, rarely in southern Germany 8 to 12 millimeters shiny black, many white spots / dots critically endangered species
    Big rose chafer Big gold beetle Protaetia speciosissima Central Europe 22 to 28 millimeters metallic green-gold shimmering critically endangered species
    Copper Rose Beetle Variable rose chafer Protaetia cuprea Central Europe 14 to 23 millimeters metallic green-gold shimmering is under nature protection in Germany
    Bronze Green Rose Beetle Marbled rose chafer Protaetia lugubris Central Europe 19 to 25 millimeters shiny metallic with many white spots critically endangered species
    Shaggy rose beetle - Tropinota hirta Southern and Central Europe 8 to 11 millimeters matt black, conspicuous hairs endangered species

    Exotic rose chafers at a glance

    Many of the species of rose chafer known in this country come from Central Africa, where they are mainly found in the rain forests and tree-lined savannahs. Due to their size and their bright colors, some of these varieties are very popular for keeping in terrariums, especially as this is considered to be quite uncomplicated. In the following table we present some of the most well-known exotic rose chafers.

    kind Scientific designation Happen size coloring food particularities
    African rose chafer (Uganda rose chafer) Mecynorhina torquata ugandensis Parts of Uganda and Congo usually between 50 and 60 millimeters, sometimes much larger very variable, multicolored Imagines fruits, larvae hummus very common in terrariums
    Congo rose chafer Pachnoda marginata mainly Congo, but also other parts of Central Africa 20 to 25 millimeters variable, multicolored Larvae feed on leaves and fruits popular in terrarium keeping
    goliath beetle Goliathus West and Central Africa up to ten centimeters long, larvae up to 15 centimeters striking black and white tree saps are among the largest and heaviest beetles of all
    South African fruit beetle Pachnoda sinuata South Africa and Namibia 20 to 25 millimeters conspicuous black-yellow, yellow underside fruit and flowers classified as a pest in its homeland
    - Eudicella tetraspilota Central Africa 25 to 40 millimeters variable, multicolored fruit popular in terrarium keeping

    Characteristic features

    The rose chafer is so popular mainly because of its metallic colors

    Typical of most rose chafers is their magnificent coloration, which is why some species are often kept as pets in the terrarium. The animals are often metallically shiny or otherwise strikingly colored, and they also have a second pair of wings, which is rather unusual for beetles. They can unfold this under the closed elytra through a bulge and thus fly. This makes the animals look a bit clumsy and clumsy. The larvae of the rose chafer are, typical of grubs, usually curved in a C-shape and only stretch out when lying on their backs. Incidentally, not only the larvae of May and June beetles are called grubs, but also the offspring of all scarab beetles in general.

    way of life

    The adult rose chafers - called imagines - feed mainly on liquid leaf and tree juices as well as flower nectar and fruit. Some varieties even eat whole flowers and are therefore classified as pests. A typical example of this is the South African fruit beetle. The larvae live mostly in rotting wood or sludge and feed on it. However, the specific way of life of the beetles is highly species-dependent and therefore variable.

    Rose chafer in the garden

    Have you found a golden rose chafer in your garden? Then it is most likely the common or golden rose chafer (lat. Cetonia aurata), which is quite common during the summer months. Since this species, like all rose chafers, loves warmth, you will find the animals mainly during the midday hours on roses and other large-flowered plants such as:

    • elder
    • dogwood
    • hawthorn
    • fruit trees
    • umbellifers

    The larvae, on the other hand, feel very comfortable in the compost, as they find food in abundance here. In the wild, however, the offspring tend to grow and thrive in rotting wood, for example at the foot of large and old trees.

    Pest or Beneficial?

    Rose beetle larvae look confusingly similar to the dreaded grubs

    Many a gardener carelessly destroys the rose beetle grubs found when digging up the compost. No wonder, after all, the white larvae can easily be confused with those of the May, June or even the garden chafer. In contrast to these species of scarab beetles, neither the larvae nor the adult rose chafers are pests - quite the opposite.

    While the rose chafer larvae live mainly on the rotting organic components of the compost during their two-year larval period and thus make an important contribution to its conversion into valuable humus, the adult beetles feed mainly on pollen and nectar. Since they prefer liquid food, plant juices (which are produced by cuts, etc.) or the juices of ripe fruits can also be on the menu.

    Feeding damage in the form of nibbled petals and other plant parts is not to be feared - unless the population becomes so overwhelming that the available food is not enough for all the rose beetles and their larvae. However, this is very rarely the case, for example when the grubs develop in a small flower pot. Here the rose chafer larvae eat the roots out of sheer hunger, but such behavior is not normal.

    The importance of the rose chafer and its larvae at a glance:

    • neither adult beetles nor larvae eat plant parts
    • Larvae do not feed on roots and other underground parts of plants
    • adult rose chafers need liquid food such as pollen and nectar
    • Larvae feed on decaying organic matter
    • Rose beetles, on the other hand, help pollinate plants
    • Larvae are important for the formation of humus

    Because of these important roles in the ecosystem, the rose chafer was voted “Insect of the Year” back in 2000. The fact that the pretty animals are also classified as an endangered species probably also played a significant role in the decision. For all the reasons nothing has changed to this day.

    digression

    Rose beetles are protected

    In contrast to the other rose beetle species, the golden rose beetle is not considered to be in acute danger of extinction, but is nevertheless subject to the Federal Nature Conservation Act and is therefore considered a particularly protected species. This in turn means that you neither catch, collect nor collect the adult beetle or its larvae allowed to kill. Therefore, when you find grubs, check exactly which species they are.

    Rose beetle larvae in compost

    Rose beetle larvae are a boon for any compost

    If you find grubs in the compost, they are almost always the beneficial larvae of the rose chafer. Be sure to dig them up again as soon as possible, because they die quickly from the sun or air. The larvae of the cockchafer, on the other hand, can be found where the table is covered with plenty of plant roots - because these little animals feed on them, which is why they - in contrast to the rose chafer grubs - can cause considerable damage in the garden. In the compost you will hardly ever find may or June beetle larvae, because there is a lack of their favorite food, living plant roots.

    Rose beetle or cockchafer larva? How to distinguish the grubs

    Rose beetle and cockchafer larvae look very similar on the outside, but they can be distinguished from one another with certainty by certain external features and their mode of locomotion. For this locomotion test, it is best to place the found larvae on a flat surface.

    rose chafer cockchafer June beetle
    body length 5 to 7 centimeters 5 to 7 centimeters 5 to 7 centimeters
    body shape thicker behind than in front, weak stubby legs evenly thick, strong, longer legs evenly thick
    coloring white, gray-black shades white-yellow body, brown head white-yellow body, brown head
    locomotion stretches, stubby legs up, crawls away on his back stays curled up on its side and tries to crawl away stretches, crawls in prone position

    By the way: even if the larvae of cockchafers and June beetles are pests, these species have now become very rare. In the meantime, the two species were considered almost extinct, but the stocks seem to be recovering gradually. Therefore, if possible, do not kill the larvae, but perhaps just dig them up and bury them in another place. Incidentally, neither the May beetle nor the June beetle are under nature protection.

    tips

    If the larvae found in the compost are particularly large specimens, you have probably discovered larvae of the rare rhinoceros beetle (lat. Oryctes nasicornis). These are often more than seven centimeters long and are also among the humus-producing beneficial insects.

    development and life expectancy

    Depending on the weather, the flight time of the rose beetle begins in April. This is when the brummers come out of their winter quarters. The females soon start laying eggs, for which they look for a suitable spot in a compost heap or on decaying wood. The spherical, small eggs are whitish in color. The larvae hatch after just a few days.

    • The larval development takes place over a period of two to three years.
    • The larvae grow up to about five centimeters long.
    • They molt twice.
    • They feed on decomposing, organic material such as wood residues, fruits, sludge, etc.
    • At the time of pupation, the larvae build cocoons out of soil, sand and wood residues.
    • Pupation takes about three weeks, then the finished beetle hatches.
    • Pupation usually occurs in late summer/early fall.
    • The young, newly hatched beetles overwinter in the ground.
    • They only appear in spring.

    From this point on, the finished beetle lives for about five to seven months, provided it has not fallen victim to an accident, disease or a predator (e.g. a songbird). Once again, however, the animal does not hibernate, but dies at the latest in autumn.

    Fight rose beetles? You can do that

    Since the rose chafer is a nature reserve and is also very useful in the garden, you must not fight it. Neither biological nor chemical nor household remedies are permitted as measures. If the little animals in your garden feel too comfortable and multiply excessively, you can make them uncomfortable with a few simple measures:

    • Keep the compost under lock and key, especially during spring egg-laying season.
    • Always clear away rotting wood and other deadwood from the area.
    • Collect adult beetles and release them elsewhere.
    • The best time for this is early in the morning, as the beetles are still quite sluggish and hardly able to move.
    • Dig up the larvae and release them in another suitable place.

    But as already said: Strictly speaking, these measures are not necessary, since it is a question of a downright useful creature.

    Rose beetle larvae in the flower pot - How to save your potted plants

    It only becomes problematic when the larvae have nested in a flower pot. In such a case, it can quickly become too crowded and, above all, there is a shortage of food, which is why the grubs - quite contrary to their nature - also eat living plant roots. However, this does not have to be the case:

    1. Lift the plant out of the pot with the root ball.
    2. Gather all the grubs carefully.
    3. They do not bite and are not poisonous either.
    4. First place them in another pot filled with soil.
    5. Bury the larvae back in a suitable spot as soon as possible.
    6. Clean the planter and put your plant back in a fresh substrate.

    Don't leave the larvae unprotected for too long, as they only survive for a very short time in the sun. A suitable new home should be rich in humus and decaying plant debris. Garden compost is ideal for this purpose.

    Keeping and breeding rose beetles

    Rose beetles can be bred at home

    Because of their dazzling colors, rose chafers are popular pets that are great to keep in terrariums. Sufficiently large plastic boxes from the hardware store are suitable for this, as are high-quality housings made of glass, for example. The only important thing is that the containers can be ventilated, and the temperature and humidity must also be able to be regulated. For smaller beetle species, the terrarium should have an edge length of 30 centimeters each, for larger ones 50 centimeters are optimal. Also, do not keep the animals alone, but always in pairs.

    Incidentally, rose beetles are very short-lived pets: the adult beetles do not get older than about five to seven months. So that you can get something from your new darlings, you have to ensure the appropriate breeding conditions in the terrarium. Then your females lay eggs and you can continuously enjoy new animals and observe them closely throughout their development.But be careful: rose chafers don't like being taken out of the terrarium and picked up. They are not tamed, only stressed - which in turn has a negative effect on their life expectancy. If you are looking for a cuddly toy, it is better to get a rabbit or a guinea pig.

    Appropriate species

    Many species of rose chafer are suitable for keeping in terrariums, but not all are suitable for beginners. Some species are quite demanding, which is why you need a certain amount of experience and special knowledge in addition to tact. The species Goliathus (Goliath beetle), Argyrophegges (also a giant beetle from the group of Goliath beetles), Fornasinius (a black Goliath beetle) and Hegemus (a black Goliath beetle) are considered to be particularly difficult to keep and breed with nice drawing).

    However, these types are best for beginners:

    • Pachnoda marginata peregrina: Congo rose beetle, classic in terrarium keeping, needs temperatures between 23 and 27 °C, a bright location and lighting, substrate height 15 centimetres, deciduous forest humus with rotting whitewood
    • Chlorocala africana: optimal temperature between 25 and 30 °C, at night not less than 18 °C, high humidity between 70 and 75% (at night 80 to 85%), 15 cm thick substrate layer of deciduous humus (oak, beech) and rotting wood
    • Dicronorhina derbyana: optimal temperature between 18 and 25 °C, 15 cm thick substrate layer of deciduous forest humus
    • Eudicella euthalia bertherandi: Brown rose chafer, optimal temperature between 18 and 25 °C, humidity between 60 and 80 %, 15 cm thick substrate layer of deciduous forest humus

    The rose chafers listed here are all diurnal and therefore make good pets.

    Where can you buy rose chafers?

    If you are interested in keeping and breeding rose beetles, you will find appropriate offers in specialized pet shops. However, you will probably not find what you are looking for at the specialist shop around the corner or you will have to order the animals you want there. Buying from online retailers is easier, but you should definitely use reputable offers. For example, they do not ship the animals all year round, but only when the weather is appropriate (i.e. not when it is very hot or cold!) and also indicate this in their online shops.

    Make sure that you are at home to receive the parcel so that the animals don't have to wait in the mailbox or in the neighbors' packaging for days unnecessarily. The travel container is not designed for this and can lead to your new pets dying. You can usually buy both adult beetles (price around EUR 20 each) or larvae (five around EUR 25).

    Terrarium: Rose beetles feel comfortable with this setup

    Setting up the beetle terrarium is quite uncomplicated: the most important thing is the approximately 15 centimeter thick layer of leaf humus and rotting wood. Depending on the species, it is best to use substrate that has already been mixed by the dealer or mix it yourself

    • Leaves of forest trees (beech, oak)
    • leaf humus (bought or from the forest)
    • sand
    • and chopped twigs (beech, oak)

    Depending on the species of beetle, the substrate should be moist to rather dry, but never bone dry. Put a few more branches in there for the adult beetles to climb on. However, how you continue to design the interior is entirely up to you and your taste. However, various stones (in groups, as hiding places) and planting with typical food plants are perfect.

    tips

    If possible, avoid using heating mats to heat the terrarium, as these allow the substrate to dry out and thus disrupt the development of the larvae.

    What food do rose chafers need?

    Rose chafers love fruit

    Rose beetles are pure vegetarians. Feed the adult beetles either so-called Beetle Jellys (available from specialist retailers) or place ripe to overripe fruit in a shallow bowl in the terrarium. The little animals particularly like to eat bananas, pears, strawberries and mangoes. Colorful flowers, which you can pick fresh and give to the little animals, provide more variety. The rose beetles often sit for hours on hibiscus, pumpkin and zucchini blossoms, but also on nasturtiums, clover, dandelion and fruit tree blossoms and enjoy the pollen and nectar. The larvae get a special larvae food as well as overripe bananas.

    frequently asked Questions

    Are rose chafers poisonous? Are they dangerous for small children and pets?

    No, rose chafers are not poisonous. Because they are not poisonous, nor do they bite or sting, they are completely safe for both children and many pets. So don't worry if your cat or dog ever eats one of these beetles. By the way: In many regions of West and Central Africa, the larvae of the goliath beetle, which are around 15 centimeters long, are considered a delicacy and are also an important source of protein there.

    Can the rose chafer fly? When are the animals particularly common?

    The native rose chafer species fly between April and October, but are particularly common in the warm summer months - and then especially at lunchtime. In fact, the fat beetles can fly, but they leave the elytra closed and only push out the pairs of wings underneath.

    tips

    Rose chafers usually pupate in late summer and hibernate as mature beetles in the ground. The same applies to the larvae, which also do not leave the protective earth.

Category:

Animals in the garden