Investigation Unveils the Journey of the Rose Bug Within the Blooming Container
In warmer regions spanning North Africa, the Mediterranean, and now almost the entirety of Germany, the Golden-Bloomed Golden Beetle (Cetonia aurata) has become a common garden resident. These beetles, known for their golden-bloomed exoskeletons, measure 15-20 millimeters as adults.
Their offspring, known as grubs, are slightly smaller, ranging from 8-12 millimeters, and feed on dead plant parts and decaying wood. Interestingly, golden beetle grubs can be found in flower pots due to the females laying eggs in the soil during summer. As they grow, these grubs contribute to soil improvement, making it more nutrient-rich for plants.
Adult Golden-Bloomed Golden beetles, on the other hand, do not specialize in a specific type of flower. Instead, they are frequent visitors to a variety of blooms, not just roses. Their diet consists of pollen and nectar, and they are often attracted to the scents in potting soil.
In the cooler months, adult golden beetles overwinter in the ground and reappear in spring. If undisturbed, they continue their pollen-eating habits, improving soil fertility and aiding in composting.
The Mourning beetle (Oxythyrea funesta), a close relative, is slightly smaller and is found in warmer regions. With climate change, the Mourning beetle has been able to spread further north.
In the past, when flowering plants first evolved over 130 years ago, there were no wild bees. It was pollen-eating beetles like the Golden-Bloomed Golden beetle that were among the first pollinators to transport pollen from flower to flower.
The Golden-Bloomed Golden beetle is protected in Germany and was named Insect of the Year 2000. Wood fibers are used as peat moss alternatives in many substrates and are suitable food for golden beetle offspring. Moreover, golden beetle larvae, or grubs, can be found in flower pots due to the females laying eggs in the soil during summer.
Goldschaben (Blattodea) are often attracted to blooming perennials such as Purpur-Sonnenhut, Asters, Staudensonnenblumen, and Vernonie, as these plants bloom late and provide ample food for insects.
In a world where pollinators are becoming increasingly important, the Golden-Bloomed Golden beetle stands out as a valuable garden companion. Its beneficial role in soil improvement and pollination makes it an asset to any garden.
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