Churchyard Beetle vs Spotted Flower Chafer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Churchyard Beetle Spotted Flower Chafer
Scientific Name Blaps mucronata Protaetia morio
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Tenebrionidae Scarabaeidae
Size 18-25 mm 15-22mm
Habitat Caves Heathland
Diet Omnivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Churchyard Beetle

A large, slow-moving, flightless black beetle often found in cellars and old buildings. It emits a foul odor when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

It was historically considered an omen of death when found inside a house.

Spotted Flower Chafer

A matt black scarab beetle with scattered white spots on its elytra. It feeds on flowers and ripe fruit in Mediterranean regions.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most flower chafers this species has a dark non-metallic coloration which is unusual for the group.