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.
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We live...
In the Reptile House, next to the meerkat enclosure.
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Size Fact
Most sun beetles grow to about 2.5cm in length.
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Food Fact
They survive on a diet of fruit and other vegetation.
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Fun Fact
These are thought to be the most popular pet beetle in the world!
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