The Mediterranean Spotted Chafer (Oxythyrea funesta), also commonly known as the White Spotted Rose Beetle, is a small, black, herbivorous beetle found in Europe, North Africa, and the Near East. While they act as pollinators, they are considered pests in gardens and agricultural settings due to their destructive feeding habits on flowers.
Identification and Appearance
Size: Adults are small, measuring roughly 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in) in length.
Coloration: They are black, sometimes with a bronzed or metallic sheen.
Spots: They typically feature six white spots in two longitudinal rows on the pronotum (the area just behind the head), along with various other white spots on their elytra (wing covers).
Pubescence: When young, they are covered in fine white hairs (pubescence). As they age, these hairs often rub off, leaving them shiny black.
Appearance in Flight: They are stout-bodied, strong flyers that can sometimes be mistaken for wasps due to their buzzing.
Habitat and Distribution
Range: Native to the Palearctic ecozone, they are widespread across Europe, North Africa, the Near East, and parts of Western Asia.
Habitats: They prefer warm, sunny environments, including meadows, scrublands, and gardens.
Expansion: Due to climate change, the species has shown a northward expansion in recent decades.
Life Cycle and Behavior
Diurnal: They are active during the day, specifically from March to September, though they are most commonly seen from May through July.
Diet: Adults feed on pollen, nectar, and the floral organs of various plants.
Larvae: The larvae (grubs) are C-shaped, whitish, and develop in the soil, feeding on decaying plant matter and roots. They can reach up to 30 mm in length.
Development: The life cycle takes about 2 years to complete.
Impact on Plants
Pest Status: They are considered pests to ornamental plants and crops, specifically roses, grapevines, citrus, and strawberries.
Damage: Adults are known to destroy flower buds by gnawing on the petals and reproductive organs, preferring light-colored flowers.
Pollinator Role: Despite being pests, they are active pollinators that visit a wide range of trees, shrubs, and herbs.
Control and Management
Natural Predators: The hairy scolia wasp (Scolia hirta) is a natural predator that parasitizes the larvae.
Manual Control: Because they prefer brightly lit, light-colored flowers, gardeners often control them by hand-picking them off plants, which is most effective early in the morning when temperatures are below 18°C (64°F) and they are less active.
