10-25 mm. Beetle of the Family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniidae: It is distributed throughout Mediterranean Europe, southwest Asia and North Africa; quite common in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.
Glossy black-brown color, with highly variable white spots, usually grouped on the side and back of the elytra, where they often form an irregular white line; at the suture of the elytra a thick and raised edge is formed which begins in a well-marked scutellum; the end of the abdomen extends caudally beyond the elytra.
They fly from April to June, direct and safe flight, they feed on the flower of thistles, and they often do so in groups.
The larvae develop in damp soils, with decaying vegetation, and also on manure.
Aethiessa floralis is a species of beetles belonging to the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.
Description
Aethiessa floralis can reach a length of about 10–25 millimetres (0.39–0.98 in). Basic color is shiny black–brown, with quite variable whitish markings, mainly in lateral margins. Adults can be seen from May to September mainly feeding on flowers of thistles (Silybum sp.), but also on Echium italicum.
Distribution and habitat
This species can be found in Italy, Spain, Slovenia and in North Africa from Morocco to Libya. These beetles prefer sunny or arid environments.
