πŸͺ² Beetles

Large Gold Chafer

Protaetia aeruginosa

Near Threatened

About Large Gold Chafer

A large, spectacular metallic golden-green beetle associated with ancient forests. Its larvae develop in hollows of old deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

It is one of Europe's most impressive beetles and is strictly protected under EU wildlife legislation.

How to Identify Large Gold Chafer

Large Gold Chafer (Protaetia aeruginosa) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 22-29 mm.

Large Gold Chafer Habitat

Large Gold Chafer is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Central and Eastern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Large Gold Chafer Diet and Feeding

Large Gold Chafer feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.

Where Is Large Gold Chafer Found?

Large Gold Chafer can be found in Central and Eastern Europe, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Large Gold Chafer can be found

Is Large Gold Chafer Dangerous?

Large Gold 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.

Large Gold Chafer Role in Nature

Large Gold Chafer 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

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Large Gold Chafer

What does Large Gold Chafer look like?

The Large Gold Chafer typically measures 22-29 mm.

Where is Large Gold Chafer found?

The Large Gold Chafer is found in Central and Eastern Europe and typically inhabits woodlands environments.

What does Large Gold Chafer eat?

The Large Gold Chafer feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.

Is Large Gold Chafer dangerous to humans?

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

Is Large Gold Chafer endangered?

The Large Gold Chafer is currently classified as Near Threatened by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.

What is an interesting fact about Large Gold Chafer?

It is one of Europe's most impressive beetles and is strictly protected under EU wildlife legislation.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Large Gold Chafer (Protaetia aeruginosa). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-gold-chafer

MLA:
"Large Gold Chafer." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/large-gold-chafer.