African fruit beetle

Description:

(Pachnoda sinuata) the garden fruit chafer or brown-and-yellow fruit chafer, is a species of beetle found in Africa from the Congo Basin southwards. These insect pests can cause extensive amounts of damage to crops. The markings on the rear of this beetle seem to have a threatening sort of appearance that might help in warding off a predator that sees the rear of this beetle poking out of a flower.

Habitat:

Adult beetles feed on flowers and fruit, often destroying them in the process which makes them unpopular with gardeners. They feed on overripe fruit, and favour roses, reason why they are also known as ‘rose beetles’ and fruit chafers. The beetle bores into the soft, ripe flesh of almost any fruit to extract the juices. While commonly found on exotic plants like roses and camellias, these beetles also feed on a range of indigenous plants including Acacia. Adults lay their eggs in manure and compost heaps or among plant roots. The pupae develop inside large, egg-shaped protective clay shells. This species is a popular prey species for many species of bird, such as red-wing starlings and Hadeda Ibises. (reference: From Wikipedia)

Notes:

See also: http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/beet...