12-4-2023 MARJAL DE MOROS, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68328-Oxythyrea-funesta

Oxythyrea funesta is a phytophagous beetle species belonging to the family Cetoniidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.

Common name “White spotted rose beetle”.

This beetle is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East.

Larvae are up to 30 mm long, they feed on plant roots and can remain until next spring in the soil.

The adults appear early in the spring, they grow up to 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 in) and can mostly be encountered from May through July. They are considered an insect pest that do not just feed on pollen, but rode the floral organs, especially damaging light in color buds and flowers.

Their colour is black, more or less bronzed. Most of the specimens show six white spots in two longitudinal rows on the pronotum and many others on the elytra. They are completely covered with white pubescence (easily visible in profile). Older specimens usually have no hairs, as they are rubbed off with time.

16-2-2022 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68328-Oxythyrea-funesta

10-3-2021 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

                                       https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68328-Oxythyrea-funesta

13-2-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68328-Oxythyrea-funesta

 

24-4-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

29-1-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

Oxythyrea funesta is a phytophagous beetle species belonging to the family Cetoniidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.

Common name "white spotted rose beetle".

This beetle is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East. It is not present in North or South America.

Larvae are up to 30 mm long, they feed on plant roots and can remain until next spring in the soil.

The adults appear early in the spring, they grow up to 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 in) and can mostly be encountered from May through July. They are considered an insect pest that do not just feed on pollen, but rode the floral organs, especially damaging light in color buds and flowers.

Their colour is black, more or less bronzed. Most of the specimens show six white spots in two longitudinal rows on the pronotum and many others on the elytra. They are completely covered with white pubescence (easily visible in profile). Older specimens usually have no hairs, as they are rubbed off with time.

The larvae build pupal cells in late summer or early autumn, in which they spend up to 1 week. They then molt. The pupal cell consists of pieces of soil and roots. The stage takes 3 weeks, but very often ends around the 15th day. The adults usually do not emerge after imagining and wait until the following spring, when they become active towards late April.

This phytophagous beetle is considered a pest because it feeds not only on pollen, but also on floral organs, particularly the light-colored flowers of Rosaceae (including fruit trees, roses, strawberries and irises). When present in large numbers, they can cause damage to peach, citrus, and Actinidia (kiwi) orchards or ornamental plant crops during flowering by consuming the stamens or damaging the pistils.

The rose chafer beetle has only one predator, the hairy scolia wasp (Scolia hirta), which parasitizes it. This species of wasp is endangered, leaving the field open for the rose chafer beetle to proliferate.

There is no chemical treatment. Gardeners who wish to eliminate this insect take advantage of its preference for white flowers, on which it is highly visible, and do so manually. This operation is more effective at lower temperatures, as the beetles' flight activity is limited below 18 degrees Celsius. Above this temperature, they will be lethargic, but their activity will gradually increase with the temperature and they will be more difficult to catch. Some commercial traps are available for purchase with chemical attractants but results are not impressive as they seem to find newly opened flower blossoms more attractive.

8-4-2019 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

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. 

22-2-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA -MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

Oxythyrea funesta is a phytophagous beetle species belonging to the family Cetoniidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.

Common name “White spotted rose beetle”.

This beetle is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East.

Larvae are up to 30 mm long, they feed on plant roots and can remain until next spring in the soil.

The adults appear early in the spring, they grow up to 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 in) and can mostly be encountered from May through July. They are considered an insect pest that do not just feed on pollen, but rode the floral organs, especially damaging light in color buds and flowers.

Their colour is black, more or less bronzed. Most of the specimens show six white spots in two longitudinal rows on the pronotum and many others on the elytra. They are completely covered with white pubescence (easily visible in profile). Older specimens usually have no hairs, as they are rubbed off with time.

9-2-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

Oxythyrea funesta is a phytophagous beetle species belonging to the family Cetoniidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.

Common name “White spotted rose beetle”.

This beetle is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East.

Larvae are up to 30 mm long, they feed on plant roots and can remain until next spring in the soil.

The adults appear early in the spring, they grow up to 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 in) and can mostly be encountered from May through July. They are considered an insect pest that do not just feed on pollen, but rode the floral organs, especially damaging light in color buds and flowers.

Their colour is black, more or less bronzed. Most of the specimens show six white spots in two longitudinal rows on the pronotum and many others on the elytra. They are completely covered with white pubescence (easily visible in profile). Older specimens usually have no hairs, as they are rubbed off with time.

31-12-2017 OLIVA MARJAL, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

Oxythyrea funesta is a phytophagous beetle species belonging to the family Cetoniidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.

Common name is “white spotted rose beetle”.

This beetle is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East.

Larvae are up to 30 mm long, they feed on plant roots and can remain until next spring in the soil.

The adults appear early in the spring, they grow up to 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 in) and can mostly be encountered from May through July. They are considered an insect pest that do not just feed on pollen, but rode the floral organs, especially damaging light in color buds and flowers.

Their colour is black, more or less bronzed. Most of the specimens show six white spots in two longitudinal rows on the pronotum and many others on the elytra. They are completely covered with white pubescence (easily visible in profile). Older specimens usually have no hairs, as they are rubbed off with time.

Subspecies

Oxythyrea funesta var. consobrina Villa

Oxythyrea funesta var. deleta Mulsant

30-1-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

Oxythyrea funesta is a phytophagous beetle species belonging to the family Cetoniidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.

Common name “white spotted rose beetle”.

This beetle is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East.

Larvae are up to 30 mm long, they feed on plant roots and can remain until next spring in the soil.

The adults appear early in the spring, they grow up to 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 in) and can mostly be encountered from May through July. They are considered an insect pest that do not just feed on pollen, but rode the floral organs, especially damaging light in color buds and flowers.

Their colour is black, more or less bronzed. Most of the specimens show six white spots in two longitudinal rows on the pronotum and many others on the elytra. They are completely covered with white pubescence (easily visible in profile). Older specimens usually have no hairs, as they are rubbed off with time.

12-6-2016 MONTE CORONA, ADOR - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

Oxythyrea funesta is a phytophagous beetle species belonging to the family Cetoniidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.

Common name “White spotted rose beetle”.

This beetle is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East.

Larvae are up to 30 mm long, they feed on plant roots and can remain until next spring in the soil.

The adults appear early in the spring, they grow up to 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 in) and can mostly be encountered from May through July. They are considered an insect pest that do not just feed on pollen, but rode the floral organs, especially damaging light in color buds and flowers.

Their colour is black, more or less bronzed. Most of the specimens show six white spots in two longitudinal rows on the pronotum and many others on the elytra. They are completely covered with white pubescence (easily visible in profile). Older specimens usually have no hairs, as they are rubbed off with time.

16-3-2016 MONTE CORONA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

Oxythyrea funesta is a phytophagous beetle species belonging to the family Cetoniidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.

Common name “white spotted rose beetle”.

This beetle is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East.

Larvae are up to 30 mm long, they feed on plant roots and can remain until next spring in the soil.

The adults appear early in the spring, they grow up to 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 in) and can mostly be encountered from May through July. They are considered an insect pest that do not just feed on pollen, but rode the floral organs, especially damaging light in color buds and flowers.

4-1-2015 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN SPOTTED CHAFER (Oxythyrea funesta)

Common name “White spotted rose beetle”.

This beetle is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East.

Larvae are up to 30 mm long, they feed on plant roots and can remain until next spring in the soil.

The adults appear early in the spring, they grow up to 8–12 millimetres (0.31–0.47 in) and can mostly be encountered from May through July. They are considered an insect pest that do not just feed on pollen, but rode the floral organs, especially damaging light in color buds and flowers.

Their colour is black, more or less bronzed. Most of the specimens show six white spots in two longitudinal rows on the pronotum and many others on the elytra. They are completely covered with white pubescence (easily visible in profile). Older specimens usually have no hairs, as they are rubbed off with time.