Sun Beetle Natural History
Size
This medium sized beetle measures 20-30mm as an adult. The larvae are very small when they first hatch but can grow to 60mm.
Habitat and Distribution
They live in tropical areas of west and central Africa.
Age
From egg to beetle takes 3 to 5 months and then adults live for a further 2 to 5 months.
Diet
Sun Beetle grubs remain underground feeding on rotten fruit and decomposing leaves while adults eat ripe and rotten fruit and wood.
Threats
This species has not yet been classified by the IUCN.
Groups and Breeding
These beetles, like all other beetles, experience metamorphosis as a part of their life cycle. Grubs are very small when they first hatch but continue to feed until they are much larger and then pupate for around 5 weeks before emerging as a fully formed sun beetle.
It is believed that sunlight stimulates beetles to mate after which females lay their eggs in the soil.
Interesting Facts
Sun Beetles are thought to be the most popular pet beetle in the world.
The Sun Beetles During Your Day Out in Kent
Our Sun Beetles can be seen in our new bug area with a wide variety of other species including the Emperor Scorpion, Cherry Shrimp and African Giant Train Millipede.