Rose Chafer vs Common Black Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rose Chafer Common Black Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Cetonia aurata Pterostichus melanarius
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Carabidae
Size 14-20 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Underground Gardens
Diet Fruit Feeders Predators
Regions Europe Europe, Introduced to North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rose Chafer

A shiny, metallic green beetle commonly found on roses and other flowers. Unlike most beetles, it flies with its elytra closed.

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Did You Know?

It has a special hinge mechanism that lets it fly with its wing cases shut, a rare trait among beetles.

Common Black Ground Beetle

One of the most abundant ground beetles in European farmland and gardens. It is a generalist predator active mainly at night.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most commonly caught beetles in pitfall traps across Europe.