About Cromwell Chafer Beetle
A small chafer beetle endemic to a tiny area near Cromwell in Central Otago, New Zealand. Adults are nocturnal and feed on native grasses.
Did You Know?
Its entire habitat is protected within an 81-hectare reserve, one of the smallest nature reserves created for an insect.
How to Identify Cromwell Chafer Beetle
Cromwell Chafer Beetle (Prodontria lewisii) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 1-1.5 cm.
Cromwell Chafer Beetle Habitat
Cromwell Chafer Beetle is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across New Zealand. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Cromwell Chafer Beetle Diet and Feeding
Cromwell Chafer Beetle is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Cromwell Chafer Beetle Found?
Cromwell Chafer Beetle can be found in New Zealand, where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Cromwell Chafer Beetle can be found
Is Cromwell Chafer Beetle Dangerous?
Cromwell Chafer Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Cromwell Chafer Beetle Role in Nature
Cromwell Chafer Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Cromwell Chafer Beetle
What does Cromwell Chafer Beetle look like?
The Cromwell Chafer Beetle typically measures 1-1.5 cm.
Where is Cromwell Chafer Beetle found?
The Cromwell Chafer Beetle is found in New Zealand and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does Cromwell Chafer Beetle eat?
The Cromwell Chafer Beetle feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Cromwell Chafer Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Cromwell Chafer Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Cromwell Chafer Beetle endangered?
The Cromwell Chafer Beetle is currently classified as Critically Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Cromwell Chafer Beetle?
Its entire habitat is protected within an 81-hectare reserve, one of the smallest nature reserves created for an insect.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Cromwell Chafer Beetle (Prodontria lewisii). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cromwell-chafer-beetle
MLA:
"Cromwell Chafer Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cromwell-chafer-beetle.