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Sun beetle
The sun beetle is a colourful African scarab beetle found across sub‑Saharan Africa, living in savannas, woodlands, and areas rich in decaying organic matter. Its metallic green body and distinctive yellow markings along the edges of the elytra make it one of the most recognisable beetles kept in zoological collections.
Our sun beetles can be found in our Wonders of the Wild area, in the window opposite our Swinhoe's striped squirrels.
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Scarabaeidae
About the sun beetle
Adult sun beetles are omnivores, feeding mainly on fruit, nectar, and plant sap. Their larvae, however, are important detritivores that break down decomposing leaves, wood, and other organic material, playing a valuable role in recycling nutrients back into the soil. Adults are active during the day and are strong fliers, often gathering around flowering plants.
Sun beetles may form loose aggregations when food is abundant. Females lay their eggs in soft soil or leaf litter, where the larvae develop over several months before pupating and emerging as adults. Their bright colours and manageable size make them a popular species for education and invertebrate displays.
Conservation
The sun beetle is listed as Least Concern, and remains widespread across sub‑Saharan Africa. Although some local populations may be affected by habitat change, the species is generally adaptable and common in many environments. Due to its abundance and suitability for captive breeding, it requires minimal conservation action compared with more threatened beetle species.