Sun beetle
Scientific name: Pachnoda marginata
There are 9 subspecies of sun beetle. This sub-species is called Pachnoda marginata peregrine. Their shells are golden yellow with large reddish-brown spots.
Sun beetles are egg layers. The females lay their eggs in substrate (soil). Sun beetles begin their lives as white grubs; the grubs stay underground, feeding on rotten vegetation. The sun beetles stay in the grub stage for 3-5 months. They then pupate for approximately 5 weeks before emerging as a fully formed sun beetle.
As the name suggests, sun beetles are more active in the day. It is also believed that sunlight stimulates the beetles to mate.
-
We live...
In the Reptile House, next to the meerkat enclosure.
-
Size Fact
Most sun beetles grow to about 2.5cm in length.
-
Food Fact
They survive on a diet of fruit and other vegetation.
-
Fun Fact
These are thought to be the most popular pet beetle in the world!
You might also like...
-
![Meerkats]()
Meerkat Keeper Talk
Come along and learn about our mob of Meerkats from our experienced animal keepers.
Find out more
-
![Zoe And Falcon (2)]()
Bird of Prey Flying Display
Watch our majestic birds of prey in our new Wings of Wonder flying display.
Find out more
-
![Andean Bear]()
Bear Keeper Talk
Learn about our Spectacled bears from our experts and find out what it is like to be a Spectacled bear keeper.
Find out more
-
![African Elephant - Shaka 2]()
Elephant Keeper Talk
Did you know Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth? Come and join our Elephant Keepers and learn about our bulls.
Find out more
