Goldsmith Beetle vs Fluted Cape Stag Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Goldsmith Beetle Fluted Cape Stag Beetle
Scientific Name Cotalpa lanigera Colophon primosi
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Lucanidae
Size 20-26mm 18-28 mm
Habitat Orchards Mountains
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions North America South Africa
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Goldsmith Beetle

A beautiful golden-yellow scarab beetle with a metallic luster and fuzzy underside. It is attracted to lights on warm summer nights.

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Did You Know?

Its genus name Cotalpa means golden shield referring to its remarkably bright metallic golden coloration.

Fluted Cape Stag Beetle

A small, flightless, dark brown stag beetle restricted to a single mountain in the Cape region of South Africa. Males have short, broad mandibles with a single inner tooth. It is threatened by illegal collecting and climate change.

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Did You Know?

Illegal collecting of Colophon species for the lucrative insect trade has led to CITES protection for the entire genus.