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.
This photo composition is quite lovely.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention... romantic.
Miss Mari-Nanci
Smilnsigh
Photos-City-Mine
When Twilight Embraces
They are pretty!
ReplyDeleteAs Scarabs go these are quite the 'lookers'.. mating on flowers as well... touch of the old romantic as well..
ReplyDeleteamazing, marvin, and here i thought scarabs were only in egypt... great critters and shot!
ReplyDeleteInteresting how you pointed out that bugs don't get a lot of press unless they become agricultural pests...
ReplyDeleteThat delta sure is vivid, and well styled... Bet they are proud of it too...
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.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't the Delta's scarab cousins, the Japanese Beetle, be more like them (non-pests)?
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!
They are quite beautiful, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteThey remind me of June Bugs with those antennae. They are beautiful. Your photos are always so spectacular.
ReplyDeleteOooooooh...sexy! Even beetles gotta get busy, I guess. *L* They're very pretty!
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing markings those beetles have. Pretty pollinators. Do these beetles visit your garden?
ReplyDeletezhakee: 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.
ReplyDeleteThese frisky beetles are quite pretty in a Greek sort of way.
ReplyDeleteWe 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
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
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