The Goldsmith Beetle, scientifically known as Cotalpa lanigera, is a stunning insect highly regarded for its beauty. Belonging to the family Rutilidae, also known as golden-gleaming ones, these beetles are truly a sight to behold with their gleaming exterior and unique characteristics.
Native to North America, Goldsmith Beetles can often be found in areas with an abundance of vegetation. These short-lived insects typically lay their eggs in the ground during June, making it the last time they’re usually spotted for the year.
Goldsmith Beetle Identification
Physical Characteristics
The Goldsmith Beetle, also known as Cotalpa lanigera, is a member of the Scarabaeidae family and has a unique appearance. Key physical traits of this beetle include:
- Size: They are relatively large, with a length of around 1 inch1
- Shape: This beetle has an oval-shaped body with a rounded thorax and head
- Legs: It possesses six legs which are useful for crawling on surfaces2
Metallic Sheen and Color
The Goldsmith Beetle is also known for its striking, metallic appearance3 and the colors that help distinguish it from other beetles:
- Yellow: The body of the Goldsmith Beetle is primarily a bright yellow hue
- Green: Some specimens exhibit a slight greenish tint depending on the lighting4
- Brown: On rare occasions, Goldsmith Beetles appear brownish due to natural pigment variations
One of its distinctive features that makes it easy to identify this beetle is its resemblance to the shining leaf chafer5. Both these beetles have a shiny, round, metallic appearance. However, there are differences in their colors.
| Feature | Goldsmith Beetle | Shining Leaf Chafer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Color | Yellow (with a possible greenish or brownish tint) | Green (with a possible bronze or reddish sheen) |
| Shape | Oval-shaped body with a rounded thorax and head | Similar body shape, but slightly smaller and more elongated |
| Metallic Sheen | Both have a metallic sheen that makes their colors appear shiny and iridescent |
In summary, the Goldsmith Beetle can be identified by its distinct physical characteristics and its unique metallic sheen and color. Keep these features in mind when trying to spot this fascinating beetle in the wild.
Habitat and Distribution
North America Range
The Goldsmith Beetle (Cotalpa lanigera) can be found in the eastern and central parts of the United States, as well as southeastern Canada1. Some examples of regions where they can be found include:
- Eastern United States
- Central United States
- Southeastern Canada
Woodlands and Deciduous Forests
Goldsmith Beetles prefer to inhabit woodlands and deciduous forests, particularly around trees such as willow, poplar, cottonwood, and oak2. Their preference for specific tree types is summarized in the table below:
| Preferred Trees | Examples |
|---|---|
| Willow | Black Willow, Weeping Willow |
| Poplar | Eastern Cottonwood, Quaking Aspen |
| Cottonwood | Fremont Cottonwood, Swamp Cottonwood |
| Oak | White Oak, Red Oak |
These beetles play a role in maintaining the health of these ecosystems, making them an important part of the woodland and deciduous forest habitats.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Female Scattering Eggs
Goldsmith Beetles, belonging to the family Scarabaeidae, reproduce when the female beetle scatters her eggs in and around an appropriate environment. A female lays anywhere from 45 to 285 eggs per year, ensuring the continuation of their species.
Larvae Burrowing
Once hatched, the larvae of the Goldsmith Beetle begin their life cycle by burrowing into the ground. They typically
prefer land under present tillage and feed on the roots of plants, as they grow and develop.
Features of Goldsmith Beetle larvae:
- White or tan in color
- Feed on plant roots
- Burrow in the ground during development
Pupation and Earthen Cells
As the larvae reach maturity, they go through a pupation process, forming earthen cells to protect themselves during metamorphosis. The beetle remains in this stage for around 7 to 10 days before emerging as an adult Goldsmith Beetle, ready to mate and restart the cycle.
Pros and cons of Goldsmith Beetle’s reproduction method:
Pros:
- Short life cycle, ensuring rapid growth in population
- High number of eggs laid by females increases the chances of offspring survival
Cons:
- Burrowing larvae can cause damage to plant roots
- Larvae’s feeding habits might make them a pest in agricultural settings
Comparison of Goldsmith Beetle’s life cycle with typical insects:
| Stage | Goldsmith Beetles | Typical Insects |
|---|---|---|
| Egg | Laid by female | Laid by female |
| Larval | Burrow in soil | Various habitats |
| Pupation | Earthen cells | Cocoon or chrysalis |
| Adult | Mating and egg-laying | Mating and egg-laying |
In summary, Goldsmith Beetles have a unique life cycle and reproduction process that involves female scattering of eggs, larvae burrowing, and pupation in earthen cells. These life stages are essential for the continued existence of this beautiful beetle.
Diet and Food Sources
Leaves and Woody Material
The primary food source for Goldsmith Beetles is leaves, and they have a preference for certain types of foliage. One such example is hickory leaves, which provide essential nutrients for their growth and well-being.
Rotting Logs
Another essential food source for these beetles is rotting logs. Goldsmith Beetles are commonly found in these habitats, as they provide an ideal environment for their feeding and reproduction.
Key Features
- Primarily feed on leaves
- Prefer hickory leaves
- Utilize rotting logs
Comparison Table
| Habitat | Type of Food Source | Preferred by Goldsmith Beetles |
|---|---|---|
| Woody Material | Leaves | Yes |
| Rotting Logs | Decomposing wood | Yes |
Goldsmith Beetles rely on a variety of plant-based food sources, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients from their environment. Short sentences and paragraphs, as well as formatting options like bullet points and tables, have been utilized to make this text easy to read and understand.
Goldsmith Beetle in Popular Culture
Gold Bug
The Goldsmith Beetle, known as Cotalpa lanigera, holds a significant place in popular culture, particularly in literature. One of its most notable appearances is in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The Gold-Bug.” This story revolves around a gold-colored beetle that leads the protagonist to discover a hidden treasure.
Some possible literary influences related to the Goldsmith Beetle are:
- Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Gold-Bug”: The gold-colored beetle is at the center of the plot, symbolizing mystery and adventure.
- Samuel Lockwood’s description: The Reverend Samuel Lockwood described the Goldsmith Beetle as one of the most beautiful beetles in North America, emphasizing its golden appearance and belonging to the “golden-gleaming” family Rutilidae.
The Goldsmith Beetle’s remarkable appearance has been a source of inspiration in literature, due to its striking golden hue and intriguing behavior.
Key Features of the Goldsmith Beetle:
- Brilliant metallic golden color
- Short-lived, mainly seen in June
- May lay eggs in the ground during June
Characteristics of the Goldsmith Beetle:
- Belongs to the Rutilidae family
- Known for its beauty and golden-gleaming appearance
While the Goldsmith Beetle isn’t widely present in popular culture, its appearance in Poe’s iconic work solidifies its connection to literary history and highlights its unique allure in storytelling.
Additional Information
Caution against Pests
The Goldsmith Beetle (Cotalpa lanigera) belongs to the subfamily Rutelinae within the Coleoptera order. While these beetles are not generally known to be harmful pests, it’s crucial to monitor their population. Keeping their numbers in check is essential to prevent potential damage to crops and plants.
Images and Resources
If you’re looking for images and resources to learn more about Goldsmith Beetles, BugGuide provides an extensive collection, including photographs, range distribution, and information on the genus. Additionally:
- Goldsmith Beetles have a distinct copper color on their head and pronotum, making them easily identifiable.
- Their range is primarily in the eastern and central parts of North America.
To better understand the differences between Goldsmith Beetles and similar beetles, consider this comparison table:
| Feature | Goldsmith Beetle | Grapevine Beetle | May/June Beetle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large | Large |
| Color | Copper/golden | Yellow with black spots | Brown |
| Range | Eastern and central North America | Eastern North America | Worldwide |
| Hooks | Present | Absent | Absent |
Among their fascinating characteristics, Goldsmith Beetles have:
- Hooks on their legs, which aid in climbing
- Short life span
- Attraction to areas with present tillage
By exploring various resources, you’ll be able to learn more about this amazing beetle and its unique features. Don’t hesitate to dive deeper into the genus to discover fascinating facts about the Goldsmith Beetle and the greater Coleoptera family.
Footnotes
48 Comments. Leave new
The entomologist at our cooperative extension service referred me to you website after I sent him a detailed description of a beetle I found. I clicked on the link he sent me, and there was a beautiful picture of “my” beetle! I found mine one night last week on the doorstep of a convenience store in South Paris, Maine, where I suspect it had been attracted by the lights. My first guess was that it was a scarab beetle, and except for the striking color, it looked to me for all the world like the Pelidnota punctata or grape leaf beetle, which I remember my sister discovering years ago. (It sat in a display case in our house along with other natural wonders for years, and so got etched in my memory.) Turns out I wasn’t far off! Now that I know it is uncommon and not likely to be a major threat, I will feel free to let it go. Thank you so much for your helpful website – I will keep it in mind the next time I need to identify an unfamiliar creepy-crawly!
Saw one in northeast Mississippi. On 5/24/2013
We wish you had sent a photo.
I found this beetle, it was stuck on the ground in my grate walk way in Farmington, Maine. It fascinated me, so I picked it up and put it in a jar. Its a feisty “little” thing. So glad I found out what it was. and it didnt fly into my house. My mom hates June bugs themselfs , I can only imagine what she would do if this flew in to the house. LOL
My 6 year old daughter just found this beetle today, 6/16/13 in Shoreview, MN (a suburb north of St Paul). Wondering where I can send the photo. Thanks!
Hi Maggie,
We are so happy you discovered on your own, while we were out taking photographs, how to submit your photograph. We have received it and we will be working on the posting shortly.
6-19-2013 Found Goldsmith beetle in our prairie near Wabasha, MN
/Users/rob/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2013/Goldsmith Beetle/DSC02349.JPG
6-19-2013 Found Goldsmith beetle in our prairie near Wabasha, MN
/Users/rob/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2013/Goldsmith Beetle/DSC02349.JPG
Thank you. Your link is broken.
I get like 2-4 of these a year on my viney vine (not even sure what kind of vine…grows on a wire fence..could be a grape vine) normally I am plucking off the Japanese Beatles into bucket of soapy water so I always seem to get a few of these as well.l
Are you certain they are not Grapevine Beetles?
Just found one of those beautiful Goldsmith Beetles out our front door…. we live in Duncan, Arizona !
Congratulations.
Went outside this evening (3/31/15) and saw hundreds of these same beetles swarming around our blooming dogwood tree and all around large wooden fence posts in our front yard…we are in East Texas. Regular June bugs are common here but have never seen these gold ones before.
so glad I stumbled upon your website! I discovered one of these lovely creatures in my garage today(May 5,2015- Gloucester, Virginia.) It was so beautiful I actually *gasped* when I first saw it. I’m a certified “nature nut” & in in my 40 something years I’ve never seen one of these before. absolutely gorgeous. thanks for the information! wish I could send a picture but I’m not sure how to link it…
Please send images using this link on our homepage.
Luckily I was looking down at a strip mall sidewalk in St. Croix Falls, WI and spotted this incredibly beautiful beetle. It was dead so I picked it up for my 6 yr. old grandson. He’ll love it.
I found one out my back door in northern Wisconsin. 6/11/15
Seen in front of my garage in Cambridge, Mn. Moved the little one next to the plants in the yard. Beautiful beetle. I took a picture but I do not know how to upload it on here.
Spotted one in Spooner, WI on 7/9 while at a garage sale. Its metallic gold head (?) showed when it flew. Absolutely gorgeous.
Found a bunch of them in St. George, Ut!
Thanks r the help I found one last night and it was creepy a few told me it was just a yellow June beetle here is a video I took of it if you like and and can use it feel free https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=ri8EtBC71Uk
Goldsmith beetle found on screen door at 1am in Burnett County Wisconsin.
A goldsmith beetle came to visit in my apartment last night. I released it this morning and it’s enjoying the shade in a potted plant outside my window.
This solved a mystery for me. I was coming in from outside and saw one of those guys on my back door. Sadly he was gone when I went back out with my phone. Reading that I’m even sadder, a picture of Poe’s gold bug would have been awesome considering I live in Baltimore City
I found this amazing beetle stuck between the boards of the deck at my cottage. He was struggling to be free so i wedged him out with a stick. I didn’t know if he would bite or not so I put him in a bug cage and let him go know and then, following him for short periods of time to see what he would do, but he never really ate anything. A few days later I let him go and saw him come and visit now and then.
I have a rare one……….Brisbane, Australia.
The Goldsmith Beetle is a North American species. We suspect you encountered one of the Australian Christmas Beetles.
OMG I saved one of these guys from a giant pile of soap suds at the local car wash he buzzed himself into, for a soft landing I suspect. This was 28 November 2016.
He was pretty slow moving after I rinsed him off from his soapy encounter & I hope the soap didn’t poison him. I’ve not seen one of these bugs in my area before & was very excited to! Part of me wishes I brought him home to make sure he was ok, but I thought the best thing to do was move him to a safe area to dry off & leave him in the wild.
I am in the south eastern bayside suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. I’ve noticed you say he’s a rare species in USA too.
OMG I saved one of these guys from a giant pile of soap suds at the local car wash he buzzed himself into, for a soft landing I suspect. This was 28 November 2016.
He was pretty slow moving after I rinsed him off from his soapy encounter & I hope the soap didn’t poison him. I’ve not seen one of these bugs in my area before & was very excited to! Part of me wishes I brought him home to make sure he was ok, but I thought the best thing to do was move him to a safe area to dry off & leave him in the wild.
I am in the south eastern bayside suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. I’ve noticed you say he’s a rare species in USA too.
Goldsmith Beetles are a North American species and we suspect you most likely encountered a Christmas Beetle in the genus Anoplognathus, possibly the King Christmas Beetle or Giant Christmas Beetle, Anoplognathus viridiaeneus, which is pictured on the Australian National Botanic Gardens site where it states: “This is probably the largest of that section of our insects known as Christmas Beetles. It is common in the bushland around Sydney and the north coast of New South Wales. Essentially a summer insect, it appears on the foliage of eucalyptus trees; where one is found you can be certain there will be others on the same tree.” We are very amused at the (now closed) competition held by the Australian Museum to give common names to nine species formerly known by only scientific names. According to the site: “These beautiful bugs are Aussie icons, heralding the coming of summer and Christmas. You might know the three kinds of Christmas Beetle in New South Wales that have common names: the King Beetle, Queen Beetle and the Washerwoman! But the other nine of the 12 species are known only by their Latin scientific names. So, the Australian Museum has run a competition for NSW residents to give common names to the nine nameless festive beetles. … Common names – unlike the Latin names used by scientists to identify species – are part of the everyday lexicon, so whatever is chosen will exist for generations to come.” On a sadder note, the Australian Museum also has a posting entitled “Where Have All The Christmas Beetles Gone?” where it states: “The evidence suggesting a decline is anecdotal yet compelling. In the 1920s, they were reported to drown in huge numbers in Sydney Harbour, with tree branches bending into the water under the sheer weight of the massed beetles. You won’t see that these days, and I’ve never seen a Christmas beetle come to light where I work, next to Hyde Park. While public concerns suggest that numbers are also much smaller in the suburbs, I’ve found at least five species near my home, clustered around street lights at the southern edge of Royal National Park, 55 kilometres south of Sydney.”
Dear BUGMAN,
Thank you SOOO much for your reply! The picture attached to the description of the Giant Christmas Beetle on the Australian National Botanic Gardens link is very similar to the photo I took of the one I saw. Although theirs is only an illustration, the resemblance is strikingly similar.
I was under the impression that maybe somehow some of your amazing beetles had migrated during importing goods of some kind, but maybe that is not so. I don’t see many of these beetles I was asking about, but being mainly in NSW it makes sense now. We’ve been having very similar weather & climates our 2 states the last few years during summer, so it makes sense for them to migrate south a few hundred km or just spread out their habitat – with more & more houses going up many species are in need of new habitats.
If I could attach a picture here for you I would, but there’s no option for that in replies & you’ve likely already seen other peoples photos of these gorgeous insects.
I’ve only just recently stumbled across your page & I would like to say an enormous THANK YOU for your dedication & the quality of your content. The links I have followed from you have led me to some wonderful bug pages & I’m already finding more & more bugs I want to identify & know about!! I found a new spices of wasp I had not seen before, but I’m having trouble identifying it accurately as the one I photo’d doesn’t look completely like the ones pictured in the descriptions I search for… In time I will find it though.
THANK YOU for being awesome!!
Also thank you for your time.
Kindest regards manda.
Dear BUGMAN,
OK 😀 awesome will do 🙂
Thank you again for being so dedicated, the bug world is amazing!
Have a GREAT day (& a wonderful weekend!)
Kindest regards manda.
Just found one in Elk River, MN inside my husband’s tool truck.
We found one on the pool deck. It was dead though. Winona, Mn. Very beautiful! We’ve never seen one before.
Found a lovely large beetle on our way through Nebraska. It wasn’t completely dead, as it stretched its legs when I petted its back. It has a fuzzy underside and an iridescent head. I gave it to a bug enthusiast, who was thrilled ! I will post my photo.
We noticed a large beetle on the screen of our front window, and thought it was a June bug, but it was such an unusual color, that we had to look it up. So glad we did! We live in Jefferson, GA and while we seem to have many different kinds of bugs in Georgia, it is fun to see one that isn’t so common!
HI FROM ONTARIO CANADA… I live in Wasaga Beach Ontario. I was having coffee on my back porch this morning and saw a huge yellow Beetle attached to the wooden railing inside the screened area of the porch.. Being trapped inside the screen I captured it (and it gave me a hard time getting it into the jar. I googled it as I have never seen one like this before and released it outside near a tree shortly after.
They are very common in my backyard we have hundreds of them
Wow. Hundreds of Goldsmith Beetles must be very impressive.
Hallo , thank you for all the info . Today my 6 years old found this beautiful gold beetle in BEAUFORT SC unfortunately was death and dry.
We saw many dark greenish blue ones with a horn but this one was special.
Hallo , thank you for all the info . Today my 6 years old found this beautiful gold beetle in BEAUFORT SC unfortunately was death and dry.
We saw many dark greenish blue ones with a horn but this one was special.
My 9 year old found one of these on the beach in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. It was dead and dry and unlike anything we’d seen before. Thanks for helping us learn about it!
ok, i love the breetal
where do i get one? how rare are they?
can i get one from an uncommon crate or only rare crates?
ok, i love the breetal
where do i get one? how rare are they?
can i get one from an uncommon crate or only rare crates?
I just found one outside work, in Zachary Louisiana March 20th 2020. Never seen one before. Quick Search for gold beetle Bang there it is.
Thanks for the info! What a beautiful bug! I’d love to send you a picture of the one we found in Cecil, WI.
Found several of these in our back yard. Our dogs keep chasing them.