Trichostetha fascicularis is a large, metallic-green beetle found in South Africa.
Description The Protea Beetle is about 25mm long. It has metallic-green wing cases with a black head and thorax which has two white vertical stripes. It has orange hairs growing around the bottom of its body.
Habitat It is found in South Africa wherever proteas occur. Adults feed on the pollen and nectar. They live in fynbos, mountainous habitats, and residential gardens if its food supply is available.
Subspecies Trichostetha fascicularis has four subspecies: Trichostetha fascicularis maraisi Stobbia, 1995 Trichostetha fascicularis natalis Burmeister, 1842 Trichostetha fascicularis nigripennis Allard, 1992 Trichostetha fascicularis prunipennis Burmeister, 1842
References