Gymnetis
thula
Range: southeastern
US
Size: 20 - 28 mm
Gymnetis thula
is
a strikingly patterned member of the cetoniine scarab beetle tribe Gymnetini.
This species usually measures about 20 mm in length. The American
tropics and subtropics contain a wealth of Gymnetis species, but
G.
thula is the only one that occurs north of Mexico.
.
.
Gymnetis is one of a number of
cetoniine scarabs which possess a fine surface layer which covers the upper
surface of their bodies. It is extremely smooth to the touch, and
is composed of many tiny, microscopic projections. Some of the large African
cetoniines, such as Chelorrhina and Goliathus, also have
this smooth layer covering the surface of their exoskeletons.
.
.
Gymnetis beetles are primarily
associated with low and mid-elevation tropical rainforests. They
have been observed feeding on a variety of flowers, fruits, and tree sap.
The adults are diurnal, like most other beetles of the subfamily cetoniinae.
The larvae of most species feed on decaying wood, although a few are known
to specialize in living within the nests of leaf-cutter ants (Atta spp.),
where they apparently feed on detritus left by the ants.
