Derby's flower beetle (Dicronorrhina derbyana) is a sub-Saharan species of flower chafer.
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Description
Dicronorrhina derbyana is the smallest within the genus. It reaches about 40-50 millimetres (1.6-2.0 in) of length in the males, while the females are slightly smaller, reaching about 35-38 millimetres (1.4-1.5 in) in length.
In D. d. layardi the basic body colour is usually metallic green with an ochre sheen and white stripes on the pronotum and elytra. In D. d. conradsi the body is maroon with a blue sheen and tan stripes. It is completely metallic ginger to emerald green in D. d. oberthueri. The males have a "T"-shaped, flat horn in the forehead. The larvae live in the soil on decaying vegetable material, while the adults feed primarily on tree sap and fruits. A female lays up to 200 eggs. The full life cycle will take 8-9 months, and the adult beetles can live 3-4 months.
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Distribution
These attractive beetles are mainly present in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Subspecies
- D. d. carnifex Harold, 1878
- D. d. conradsi (Kolbe, 1909)
- D. d. derbyana Westwood, 1843
- D. d. layardi (Péringuey, 1892)
- D. d. lettowvorbecki Kriesche, 1920
- D. d. oberthueri Deyrolle, 1876
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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