Bumble Flower Beetle: All You Need to Know in a Nutshell

The bumble flower beetle (Euphoria inda) is an intriguing member of the scarab beetle family. Measuring roughly half an inch in length, these beetles are known for their yellowish-brown or cinnamon-colored wings adorned with irregular rows of small black spots. With a fuzzy appearance, bumble flower beetles can often be mistaken for bumble bees, especially when in flight where they mimic the buzzing sound of bees.

Adult bumble flower beetles enjoy a diet that consists of pollen, nectar, plant sap, and fruit juices. They are commonly found around dying vegetation, where they lay their eggs after mating. As scavengers, they also contribute to breaking down dead and decaying plant matter. Besides their appearances, their unique diet and biological characteristics are worth exploring when seeking to understand these fascinating insects.

Bumble Flower Beetle Identification

Classification and Family Scarabaeidae

The bumble flower beetle (Euphoria inda) is a member of the scarab beetle family, Scarabaeidae. This family includes thousands of species, including dung beetles and June beetles.

Color

Adult bumble flower beetles have a distinct color pattern:

• Yellowish-brown or cinnamon-colored outer wings
• Irregular rows of small black spots

Elytra

The elytra, or outer wings, of the bumble flower beetle serve two purposes:

1. They protect the delicate inner wings required for flight.
2. They provide a unique appearance that helps differentiate them from other beetles.

Hairy Body

One noticeable feature of the bumble flower beetle is the presence of hairs on various parts of its body:

• Head
• Thorax
• Underside of the body

The dense hairs give the beetle a fuzzy appearance.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Bumble flower beetles are easily identifiable by their features and behavior:

• Size: 0.5-0.6 inches in length and 0.3-0.4 inches wide
• Flight: Produce a buzzing sound similar to that of a bumblebee

Pros of identifying bumble flower beetles:

• Can help gardeners and farmers detect potential pests
• Provides an opportunity to learn more about an interesting insect

Cons of identifying bumble flower beetles:

• May be difficult for those who are less familiar with beetles and their specific characteristics
• Some people may mistake other similar-looking beetles for the bumble flower beetle

Comparison Table: Bumble Flower Beetle vs. June Beetle

Life Cycle and Biology

Egg

Bumble flower beetles (Euphoria inda) lay their eggs in soil or decaying organic matter. The eggs then hatch within 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions.

Larva

Once hatched, the larvae, often referred to as grubs, feed on the organic matter. They undergo several stages of growth, called instars, as they develop.

Pupa

After the larval stage, the grubs transform into pupae. During this stage, the beetles remain inactive and develop their adult characteristics, such as wings and reproductive organs.

Adult Beetle Behavior

Adult bumble flower beetles are found primarily in North America. They have a distinct buzzing sound and are drawn to flowers. Features include:

• Yellowish-brown or cinnamon-colored outer wings
• Irregular rows of small black spots
• Densely hairy head, thorax, and underside

Season

Bumble flower beetles are most active during late summer and early fall, when they seek out flowers for both food and reproduction.

To summarize:

Ecological Roles and Interactions

Pollination

The Bumble Flower Beetle plays a small role in the pollination process. While they are not as efficient as bees and wasps, they still contribute to pollination by visiting flowers for nectar and pollen. As they move around within the flower, some pollen sticks to their hairy bodies, which can then be transferred to other flowers.

• Nectar source for adult beetles
• Pollen provisions for larvae and adult beetles

Bees, Wasps, and Bumble Bees

These insects are more efficient pollinators compared to the Bumble Flower Beetle. They have specialized structures, like bee tongue lengths and flower tube depths, that allow for better pollen transfer between flowers. An example of their effectiveness is seen in how bumble bees can damage plant leaves and accelerate flower production when faced with pollen scarcity.

Comparison Table

Range and Habitat

The Bumble Flower Beetle can be found in various regions across North America. Their range extends across the eastern United States and southern Canada. These beetles prefer habitats with flowering plants providing pollen and nectar, as well as decomposing organic matter for their larvae. The Utah State University Extension mentions that they have a preference for plant sap as a food source.

• Widespread distribution
• Prefers habitats with flowering plants and decomposing organic matter

Diet and Feeding Habits

Vegetation and Tree Sap

Bumble flower beetles, also known as Euphoria inda, primarily feed on a variety of vegetation and tree sap. They enjoy:

• Decaying leaves
• Tree sap

This provides them with the vital nutrients they need to survive and thrive.

Rotten Fruits and Vegetables

Apart from vegetation and tree sap, bumble flower beetles also have a particular affinity for:

• Rotten fruits
• Decaying vegetables

These food sources attract these beetles due to their sweet, fermenting scent and provide additional nutrition.

Sweet and Fermenting Liquids

Bumble flower beetles are naturally drawn to sweet and fermenting liquids that they can find in:

• Overripe fruits
• Nectar
• Fermenting tree sap

These liquids offer them a quick source of energy and sustenance.