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Sun beetle

Scientific name: Pachnoda marginata

 

There are 9 subspecies of sun beetle. This sub-species is called Pachnoda marginata peregrine. Their shells are golden yellow with large reddish-brown spots.

Sun beetles are egg layers. The females lay their eggs in substrate (soil). Sun beetles begin their lives as white grubs; the grubs stay underground, feeding on rotten vegetation. The sun beetles stay in the grub stage for 3-5 months. They then pupate for approximately 5 weeks before emerging as a fully formed sun beetle.

As the name suggests, sun beetles are more active in the day. It is also believed that sunlight stimulates the beetles to mate.

  1. We live...

    In the Reptile House, next to the meerkat enclosure.

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  1. Size Fact

    Most sun beetles grow to about 2.5cm in length.

  2. Food Fact

    They survive on a diet of fruit and other vegetation.

  3. Fun Fact

    These are thought to be the most popular pet beetle in the world!

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