πŸͺ² Beetles

Flower Chafer

Oxythyrea funesta

About Flower Chafer

A small black flower beetle dotted with white spots, widespread across southern Europe and North Africa. It can be found in large numbers on roses and other garden flowers.

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Did You Know?

Its Latin name funesta means mournful, referring to the black coloration dotted with white specks like a mourning garment.

How to Identify Flower Chafer

Flower Chafer (Oxythyrea funesta) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 8-12 mm.

Flower Chafer Habitat

Flower Chafer is found in gardens habitats, particularly across Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Flower Chafer Diet and Feeding

Flower Chafer feeds on pollen collected from flowers. As a pollen feeder, it plays a role in pollination, helping to fertilise plants as it moves from flower to flower.

Where Is Flower Chafer Found?

Flower Chafer can be found in Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East, where it inhabits gardens environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Flower Chafer can be found

Is Flower Chafer Dangerous?

Flower Chafer 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.

Flower Chafer Role in Nature

Flower Chafer plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Flower Chafer

What does Flower Chafer look like?

The Flower Chafer typically measures 8-12 mm.

Where is Flower Chafer found?

The Flower Chafer is found in Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East and typically inhabits gardens environments.

What does Flower Chafer eat?

The Flower Chafer feeds on pollen collected from flowers.

Is Flower Chafer dangerous to humans?

The Flower Chafer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Flower Chafer?

Its Latin name funesta means mournful, referring to the black coloration dotted with white specks like a mourning garment.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Flower Chafer (Oxythyrea funesta). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/flower-chafer

MLA:
"Flower Chafer." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/flower-chafer.