Emerald Flower Scarab (Trichiotinus lunulatus)

(Photo: 6/09/09 by Marvin)

Emerald Flower Scarab (Trichiotinus lunulatus) Feeding on Ox-eye Daisy

Identification: Usually green, but sometimes has a coppery tinge. Legs usually green or dark, not brown. Cretaceous (chalky) spots on pygidium not usually concealed by hairs.

Range: Southeastern United States: Virginia to Texas.

Habitat: Meadows, fields, etc. with flowers, near woodlands.

Food: Pollen and/or nectar from a variety of flowers.

(Source: BugGuide)

.

Emerald Flower Scarab (Trichiotinus lunulatus)

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.

Delta Flower Scarab (Trigonopeltastes delta)

Delta Flower Scarab

Delta Flower Scarab (Trigonopeltastes delta)

This has got to be one of the most colorful and distinctive beetles around. I found this one feeding on some slender mountain mint behind the garden. Because they have little economic importance (i. e. they neither destroy crops nor cause disease), not all that much is known about Delta Flower Scarabs. The adults feed on flower nectar and pollen. Larvae of this family live in decaying wood.

Source: BugGuide

Delta Flower Scarab