Some time ago, about seven months ago, I made a post in this community that talked about a beautiful and amazing insect: The green beetle (Cotinis mutabilis). At that time I did not describe it taxonomically or scientifically, but I gave my interpretation of what I saw, of course, relying on some literature review. Today, I come to share a post about the same insect; but this time I will talk more briefly about its feeding. If you want to see my previous post, this you can do it:
here.
Today I come to talk about the diet I have observed in them, as well as some interesting characteristics that I found through literature review, (I include the source at the end of this post). I think it is important to make known the characteristics of this animal so that they are not feared and exterminated, but respected and that people understand their value within the natural cycle.
Yesterday, Friday at noon, I went out into the field as I usually do every day. I wanted, among other things, to try to photograph the adrenas bees that I spotted this week. As I was getting into the right position to take pictures of the bees foraging on the flowers of one of the red cherry trees (Malpighia emarginata), I came across this cutie eating one of the cherry blossom buds. I particularly thought it was comical to see him with his paws and mouth busy, however the photos do not fully show that, as the angle at which I could photograph him was not the most suitable, and I really did not want to interrupt the little bees in their libation.
Sólo se produce una generación adulta por año, es decir, que su tasa de reproducción en comparación con otros insectos, es muy baja, y la vida de estos escarabajos tiene una duración de un año.
NO es un insecto venenoso, todo lo contrario, su aparato bucal en general es hecho sólo para masticar y alimentarse; por lo que no será ponzoñoso, así que NO hace falta aplastarlo, matarlo, no, sólo déjalo que esté por allí, haciendo lo suyo.
Mientras que las larvas pueden alimentarse de madera y restos vegetales en descomposición, así excremento animal, (vacas, caballos, cabras); los adultos consumen fundamentalmente frutas en descomposición, flores, e incluso algunos insectos más pequeños, por lo que puede decirse que ejerce una labor de limpieza en el hogar.
Aunque la bibliografía consultada señala que sólo se distribuye desde Estados Unidos a Panamá, yo vivo en Venezuela y he aquí este hermoso ejemplar.
Even when other times I have found specimens of this insect in my house, I am always amazed by its beauty, the precious metallic green color of its exoskeleton, the slenderness of its flight, the perfection of its legs, the beauty of its head; that is why I like them so much, besides, according to an old popular belief, seeing a beetle at home is a sign of good luck, and a little good luck is always nice. I was reviewing information on the Internet, and I can refer these interesting characteristics about Cotinis mutabilis:
- Only one adult generation is produced per year, that is, their reproduction rate compared to other insects is very low, and the life of these beetles lasts one year.
- It is NOT a poisonous insect, on the contrary, its mouthparts in general are made only for chewing and feeding; so it won't be poisonous, so no need to squash it, kill it, NO, just let it be out there doing its thing.
- While the larvae can feed on decomposing wood and plant remains, as well as animal excrement (cows, horses, goats); the adults mainly consume decomposing fruits, flowers, and even some smaller insects, so it can be said that it performs a cleaning task in the home.
- Although the bibliography consulted indicates that it is only distributed from the United States to Panama, I live in Venezuela and here is this beautiful specimen.
As you can tell from the photos, this beetle was very happy tasting these cocoons, and I think that the fact that it eats 10, 20 or 100, does not mean that it will ruin the fruit crop. Unfortunately this animal in other countries is classified as a pest, it does not seem so to me, because I have never seen any fruit damage me. On the other hand, the one that oviposits in the wood that is in the process of decomposing on my lot, is a great help, because in this way the larvae can process these vegetable remains.
Here I end my post for today, I hope it has been pleasant for everyone, and remember that Mother Earth is kind, loving to all of us; and each and every one of her creatures play a fundamental role in ecosystems. Greetings.
Todas las fotos de este post son de mi autoría y fueron tomadas con mi teléfono Xiomi REDMI 8 A // These photos are my own, and were taken with a Xiomi REDMI 8 A phone
Los divisores son cortesía de @eve66 quien comparte bellos diseños que embellecen el maquetado de nuestras publicaciones. // The dividers used are courtesy of @eve66 who shares beautiful designs that embellish the layout of our post.
En caso de que se requiera utilizar el contenido o las imágenes de este post y de mis otras publicaciones, agradecería que se hiciera referencia a mi autoría (Fabiola Martínez) y se citara el enlace correspondiente. Gracias. // In case it is required to use the content or images of this post and of my other publications, I would appreciate if you could refer to my authorship (Fabiola Martínez) and cite the corresponding link. Thanks.
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