Thursday, July 17, 2008

Delta Flower Scarab (Trigonopeltastes delta)



Delta Flower Scarab (Trigonopeltastes delta)

I could not find a great deal of information on these beetles in the popular literature. They are not agricultural pest and, therefore, not a great deal of research has been done.

Delta Flower Scarabs are common in the Southeastern United States as far north as New Jersey. Adults take pollen and/or nectar. Mating occurs on flowers. (In this case Slender Mountain Mint.) Their common name refers to the distinctive triangular pattern on the pronotum which resembles the Greek letter Delta. That's about all BugGuide had to offer in the way of information.

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14 comments:

smilnsigh said...

This photo composition is quite lovely.

Not to mention... romantic.

Miss Mari-Nanci
Smilnsigh
Photos-City-Mine
When Twilight Embraces

Louise said...

They are pretty!

Tom said...

As Scarabs go these are quite the 'lookers'.. mating on flowers as well... touch of the old romantic as well..

laughingwolf said...

amazing, marvin, and here i thought scarabs were only in egypt... great critters and shot!

AphotoAday said...

Interesting how you pointed out that bugs don't get a lot of press unless they become agricultural pests...
That delta sure is vivid, and well styled... Bet they are proud of it too...

Marvin said...

In the world of insect research and study, the expression "Follow the money" generally applies. The more significant an insects impact on a cash crop, the more likely it is to be studied.

Anonymous said...

Why can't the Delta's scarab cousins, the Japanese Beetle, be more like them (non-pests)?

Great shots!

Mary said...

They are quite beautiful, aren't they?

Anonymous said...

They remind me of June Bugs with those antennae. They are beautiful. Your photos are always so spectacular.

Lana Gramlich said...

Oooooooh...sexy! Even beetles gotta get busy, I guess. *L* They're very pretty!

Jackie said...

What amazing markings those beetles have. Pretty pollinators. Do these beetles visit your garden?

Marvin said...

zhakee: I haven't seen them actually in the garden, but right behind it. They need a fairly large flower head for a platform. The mint in the photo works well as does Queen Anne's Lace.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

These frisky beetles are quite pretty in a Greek sort of way.

We have the common irratating June bugs zooming around the garden bumping into me at every turn. How they can ever find one another is a mystery. They buzz around thunking into things. Geez

Unknown said...

When viewed from the rear the abdomen resembles the head of a hornet. These guys will even raise their long hind legs above the abdomen to resemble antennae