Head to head
Rose Chafer vs Fig Beetle
Rose Chafer
VS Fig Beetle
The rose chafer of Europe and the fig beetle of the southwestern United States are two metallic green scarab beetles whose grubs live in rotting material.
| Rose Chafer | Fig Beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cetonia aurata | Cotinis mutabilis |
| Colour | A shining metallic green body that can look coppery, bronze, or bluish depending on the light | A stout, metallic green body |
| Flight | Is able to fly with its wing cases closed, sending its flight wings out through small notches at the sides | Flies with a loud, buzzing drone, often clumsily and occasionally colliding with people or objects |
| Adult food | Pollen and nectar from flowers such as roses, elder, and hawthorn | Overripe and damaged fruit, particularly figs and other soft, sugary fruit |
| Grub | Thick, curved grubs that live in rotting wood, compost heaps, and leaf litter for two or three years | White grubs that develop underground in compost piles and rich soil, feeding on decaying plant material |
| Garden role | Often found in gardens and parks, where compost and old wood let the grubs develop | A nuisance in orchards and gardens as an adult, while its larvae help break down organic material |
| Range | Woodland edges, meadows, and gardens across Europe and into western Asia | Gardens, orchards, and grassland across the southwestern United States and Mexico |
| Conservation status | Not Evaluated globally, though widespread and locally common | Least Concern |
Rose Chafer vs Fig Beetle: common questions
Which beetle flies with its wing cases closed?
The rose chafer, which opens small notches at the sides of its wing cases and sends its flight wings out through them.
Which one eats overripe fruit?
The fig beetle, which is strongly drawn to overripe, damaged, or fermenting fruit, particularly figs.
Where do their grubs live?
Both grubs live in rotting material, the rose chafer's in decaying wood and compost, and the fig beetle's in compost piles and rich soil.